Defending Champion Kvitova, Krejcikova Added To Names Withdrawing From WTA Eastbourne
The perils of holding an event the week before a Grand Slam.
After wave of withdrawals hit the WTA stop in Eastbourne Monday, more followed today as defending champion Petra Kvitova and Barbora Krejcikova pulled out along with Anastasia Potapova.
The 500 level event had already lost Elena Rybakina, Maria Sakkari and former French finalist Marketa Vondrousova.
The tournament went on today with Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula leading the way with easy wins.
Gauff cruised past countrywoman Bernarda Pera 6-3, 6-2 while Pegula ousted 20-year-old Qinwen Zheng 6-3, 6-4.
“Bernarda is not an easy player, especially a lefty on grass,” Gauff said to the WTA. “It was really windy today, so I think we were just trying to make one more ball in the court. Overall, I’m happy with today’s win.”
No. 2 Caroline Garcia also sent off American veteran Madison Brengle in straight sets 6-1, 7-5.
Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur dismissed Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2. The 8th-seeded Beatriz Haddad Maia edged the Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova in a thriller 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7-3).
Petra Martic defeated Katie Boulter of Great Britain 6-4, 7-5. Camila Giorgi knocked out Heather Watson 6-3, 6-4 and Birmingham champion Jelena Ostapenko advanced past veteran Barbora Strycova 6-4, 6-3.
Wednesday’s ticket boasts second round action with NGarcia meeting Ana Bogdan — Garcia leads 3-0.
Pegula collides with Camila Osorio in a first-time tour-level meeting. Jabeur gets Giorgi and Gauff will battle Brit Jodie Burrage.
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