Ashleigh Barty and Angelique Kerber make strong starts to Wimbledon campaigns

World number one Ashleigh Barty and reigning champion Angelique Kerber are safely into the second round of Wimbledon following routine wins.

Barty was playing her first match since topping the rankings, but showed no signs of pressure as she cruised past world number 33 Zheng Saisai 6-4, 6-2.

Kerber, meanwhile, faced Tatjana Maria on Centre Court and looked in fine form, easing overcoming her fellow-German 6-4, 6-3.

“Coming back here, walking out on Centre Court is really special and there was a lot of emotion and memories,” Kerber told the BBC afterwards. “It’s amazing to be back here.

“She was a very tricky opponent with the slices and I was playing every single shot.

“It’s a tough draw but every round is tough so I will just try to continue how I’ve played over the last few weeks and how I played here last year.”

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