Svetlana Kuznetsova survives scare to make winning return in Lugano
Former world number two Svetlana Kuznetsova made a successful return in Lugano, but Ekaterina Alexandrova made her work for it.
Kuznetsova has been missing from the WTA since September due to a knee injury, and appeared to be heading to defeat at the hands of the sixth seed.
However, she was able to rally after losing the opening set and battled to a 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(8-6) success.
The Russian will now face either Timea Bacsinszky or Tamara Korpatch in the second round.
Elsewhere, fourth seed Alison Van Uytvanck recovered from a second-set bagel to advance against Tereza Smitkova 6-2, 0-6, 6-4.
Top seed Belinda Bencic is set to get her campaign underway on Tuesday when she faces Antonia Lottner.
Second-seed Carla Suarez Navarro faces Polona Hercog, and Viktoria Kuzmova is in action against Giulia Gatto-Monticone.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
T365 Recall: When Serena Williams cemented her greatness at the 2015 Miami Open
-
-
Storylines from the 2019 tennis season so far: Featuring Roger Federer, Bianca Andreescu and more
-
Comment: Naomi Osaka is clearly struggling, but she’s certainly no flash in the pan
-
Five NextGen stars who are poised to dethrone Roger Federer and friends
-
Latest
-
Tennis NewsRoger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis NewsIga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.