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
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek made French Open favourite by former British No 1 Tim Henman
Tim Henman has been impressed by the progress in Iga Swiatek’s game.
-
French Open
Naomi Osaka admits trepidation ahead of return to Roland Garros
Naomi Osaka took questions at Roland Garros for the first time since her 2021 walkout.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek prepared to handle the heat of being French Open favourite
The world number one has won five successive tournaments and 28 straight matches.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal praying the pain stays away in bid to win 14th French Open
The 35-year-old was troubled by the issue in Rome last week.
-
French Open
Great British hope Emma Raducanu cleared to feature at Roland Garros
The US Open champion retired during her first match in Rome last week with a back injury.
-
French Open
French Open draw is GOAT fodder for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic faces a daunting roster of potential French Open opponents but could also strengthen his GOAT claims as a result.
-
French Open
French Open: Naomi Osaka handed tough first round assignment
Naomi Osaka takes on seeded oppostion in the French Open first round.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic thrown together in French Open draw
Tournament favourites Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are uncomfortably close in the French Open draw.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz makes 23-year-old top ten player feel old
Carlos Alcaraz makes Casper Ruud feel like time is getting away from him.