Sabalenka Makes Winning Debut As A No. 1 In Beijing; Gauff, Swiatek Monday
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Aryna Sabalenka made a strong debut as a world No. 1 cruising past fellow Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-2 in the first round at the Beijing 1000 event.
The 24-year-old Sabalenka lost just one point on first serve and never faced a break point.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to play that good on my serve,” Sabalenka said to the WTA. “On practice, it didn’t work that well. But I was super happy that I was able to bring that level on my serve today. I think it’s helped a lot.
“I think she didn’t even expect that great serving game. So I think that was the key of today’s match.”
Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova was dropped by the Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina who rallied from a set down 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.
The two combined for 16 total double faults in the match with the Czech donating nine.
Also on Sunday, Liudmila Samsonova dismissed 22-year-old American Alycia Parks 6-4, 7-6(7-4). Jennifer Brady bested Peyton Stearns in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. 13th-seeded Jelena Ostapenko ousted Eva Lys of Germany 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Linda Fruhvirtova easily handled Arantxa Rus 6-0, 6-3. Katie Boulter topped Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Sixteen-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia bounced No. 10 seed Barbora Krejcikova in straights 6-2, 6-2 and former champion Petra Kvitova defeated Wang Xiyu 6-7(6-8), 7-5, 6-3 in a three hour plus marathon.
On Monday, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek hit the courts. Swiatek collides with Sara Sorribes Tormo. Swiatek won their only battle at Wimbledon earlier this year.
Gauff will take on Ekaterina Alexandrova.
No. 7 seed Ons Jabeur will battle Ashlyn Krueger. Caroline Garcia, Jelena Ostapenko and Daria Kasatkina are also in action.
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