Petra Kvitova through in Prague; Elise Mertens going well in Rabat
Second seed Petra Kvitova secured her place in the second round of the Prague Open with a routine win over Tereza Smitkova.
The world number 10, who is the highest-ranked player in the tournament following the withdrawal of top seed Karolina Pliskova, overcame her fellow Czech, who was a tournament wildcard, 6-1 6-3.
Kvitova dominated throughout and won nine consecutive games at one point, although she did had to rally back after seeing her serve broken in the second set.
Another Czech, the fifth-seeded Barbora Strycova, saw her hopes come to an end as she was beaten 6-0 2-6 6-2 by Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
Third seed Daria Kataskina also suffered defeat, losing 7-6 6-3 to Jasmine Paolini of Italy.
Meanwhile, in Rabat, Belgium’s Elise Mertens made a convincing start with a 6-0 6-0 victory over Kristina Kucova.
Mertens, the top seed and world number 19, saw off the Slovakian in 56 minutes.
There was far less joy for second seed Dominika Cibulkova, though, with the Slovakian losing 2-6 7-5 6-4 to Slovenia’s Polona Hercog.
Former world number five Sara Errani, French Open finalist in 2012, beat sixth seed Zarina Diyas 6-4 6-4.
Latest
-
WimbledonExclusive – Tim Henman’s prediction as Serena Williams returns at Wimbledon
Williams will have to wait until Tuesday to play her first singles match in 12 months after she limped out of Wimbledon last year.
-
WimbledonExclusive – Emma Raducanu set for Centre Court debut John Lloyd makes bold Andy Murray prediction
Raduanu will make her Wimbledon Centre Court debut against Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck.
-
NewsPetra Kvitova sounds Wimbledon warning with Eastbourne title win
Kvitova controlled a one-sided encounter from the outset en route to triumphing 6-3 6-2.
-
NewsSerena Williams on working vacation at All England Club
The 40-year-old is playing in her first singles tournament for a year.
-
News‘Fearless’ Jodie Burrage wants to show what she can do at Wimbledon
The British number five, who has a flat in SW19, will break into the world’s top 150 on Monday.
-
NewsWimbledon’s Centre Court scheduling still skewed to favour men
The All England Club is celebrating 100 years of its main show court in 2022.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray pays tribute to motherly Sue Barker ahead of her final Wimbledon
Former World No 1 Andy Murray and…
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios a ‘legit contender’ according to Special Ks partner
The other half of the Special Ks has put his tag team partner over.
-
WimbledonBeing an inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur
Being a role model and inspiration is part of the job for Ons Jabeur.
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.