Serena Williams returns to winning ways, but Johanna Konta loses

Serena Williams was at her dominant best as she dispatched Daria Gavrilova in the opening round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Having suffered the worst defeat of her career against Johanna Konta at the Silicon Valley Classic, Williams then pulled out of last week’s Rogers Cup citing personal reasons.
However, she returned to action on Monday with a crushing 6-1, 6-2 victory in one hour and six minutes over Gavrilova at the Western & Southern Open.
.@serenawilliams sizzles into @CincyTennis second round!
Downs Gavrilova, 6-1, 6-2! pic.twitter.com/1rJsYxn76v
— WTA (@WTA) August 14, 2018
“I’m feeling pretty good tonight. It’s never easy, no matter what the scoreline says,” the American said.
“I definitely felt relaxed after the first break, but you’ve got to keep going and try to go in for the whole thing.”
British No 1 Konta, who reached the round of 16 in Canada, suffered a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka.
The Belarusian claimed the crucial break in the seventh game of the decider and then served out the match.
The 10th seeded Julia Goerges and 11th ranked Jelena Ostapenko also bowed out as Wimbledon semi-finalist Goerges retired while 6-4, 3-2 down against Kristina Mladenovic.
Former French Open winner Ostapenko was beaten 1-6, 7-5, 6-0 by Alize Cornet.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka is through, though, as she came from a set down to beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-4 while the 13th seed Madison Keys also required three sets to beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands as she claimed a 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 victory.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray shows reals signs of promise despite defeat to Andrey Rublev
There were certainly encouraging signs for Murray, who came through the physical test against the big-hitting fourth seed.
-
News
Angry Andy Murray loses to world number eight Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
The three-time grand slam winner smashed his racket into the ground as he was beaten 7-5 6-2.
-
ATP Tour
ATP announces ‘Covid Protection Ranking’ amid ongoing restrictions
ATP announces new system and some tweaks to other systems.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Turning his back on play, brilliant winners, racket smashing from Daniil Medvedev as he loses
Daniil Medvedev entertains, even when he loses.
-
ATP Tour
‘I just don’t feel well here’ – Alexander Zverev’s Rotterdam woes continue as he bemoans early exit
Early exit for Alexander Zverev in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis Features
As football’s VAR struggles continue, tennis celebrates 15 years of Hawk-Eye’s electronic line calling system
Hawk-Eye in tennis, some like it, some don’t.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vows he will continue to play tennis as long as he is ‘healthy and able to compete’
Rafael Nadal on retirement.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman says ‘mesmerising’ Roger Federer ‘won’t just make up the numbers’ upon his return
Tim Henman on Roger Federer’s comeback.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev expects ‘fun’ match against ‘true legend’ Andy Murray as Scot praises Russian’s work ethic
Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray sing each other’s praises.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas explains how change in mindset helped him to turn things around in Rotterdam opener
Stefanos Tsitsipas shows some fight in Rotterdam win.