Venus Williams the victim of a shock defeat in Tainjin as Rebecca Peterson claims big win
Rebecca Peterson enjoyed a career-highlight day in China as she shocked Venus Williams in the first round of the Tianjin Open.
The 24-year-old Swede got the better of a match featuring 14 breaks of serve to win 6-3 4-6 6-3 in just over two hours.
“When I saw the draw, I was happy,” Peterson said. “I saw it as a great opportunity and a great experience. It’s such a privilege to play such a champion. I was just trying to enjoy it as much as I could.
“I tried to stick in there and go point by point, and not think any further than the next point.”
Fourth seed Caroline Garcia also had to fight for victory, coming from behind to triumph 2-6 6-2 6-2 over Anastasia Potapova of Russia.
And sixth seed Yulia Putintseva survived a second-set scare as she overcame Astra Sharma of Australia 6-1 1-6 7-5.
Wild card Sam Stosur beat home favourite Zhaoxuan Yang 7-5 2-6 6-2 but the Chinese fans were cheered by Yafan Wang who beat Lauren Davis of the United States 6-0 6-4.
Britain’s Heather Watson booked her place in round two with a 6-4 7-6 (3) win over Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News5 things to know about Australian Open men’s doubles finalist Joe Salisbury
Salisbury and Rajeev Ram are the defending champions.
-
NewsAustralian Open day 12: Medvedev books final spot and Tsitsipas stays neutral
The story of the 12th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
Australian OpenJustine Henin gives her verdict on the Australian Open final and Serena Williams
Former world No.1’s Justine Henin offered up her views ahead of Saturday’s Australian Open final between Naomi Osaka and Jenifer Brady.
-
Australian Open‘I’m not going to hand it over’ – Novak Djokovic issues a resounding warning to rising stars
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has sent out a defiant message to the next generation of stars aiming to topple him from his perch.
-
NewsNaomi Osaka says putting tennis in perspective helped her find form
Osaka will take on Jennifer Brady in the final in Melbourne on Saturday.
-
NewsDaniil Medvedev: The pressure will be on Novak Djokovic in Australian Open final
Medvedev defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach his second grand slam final.
-
NewsDaniil Medvedev sets up Australian Open final clash against Novak Djokovic
Medvedev continued his 20-match winning streak with a 6-4 6-2 7-5 victory.
-
NewsAustralian Open finalist Joe Salisbury sets sights on multiple grand slam titles
The British player and Rajeev Ram won their maiden slam title together in Melbourne last year.
-
NewsJoe Salisbury reaches Australian Open doubles final at Jamie Murray’s expense
Salisbury and his American partner Rajeev Ram defeated Murray and Brazil’s Bruno Soares 6-4 7-6 (2).
-
NewsNovak Djokovic ‘ready for the battle’ as he declares himself back in peak condition ahead of final
“I’m feeling great on the court,” says Novak Djokovic.