By Mike McIntyre
Photos by Jimmie48 Tennis Photography
The draw this year is so strong on the WTA side of things at the Sydney International that many first round matches would more than suffice for a final at many events on the Tour. Monday saw first round action nearly completed and there were some noticeable results even this early into the 2018 season.
Angelique Kerber d Lucie Safarova 6-7(3), 7-6(8), 6-2
What a difference a year makes! At the start of 2017 Kerber was the No. 1 player in the WTA rankings and now she has fallen all the way back to No. 22. A coaching change to Wim Fissette could pay dividends and help restore the German's confidence in her game. She lost the opening set to Safarova but recovered to take it in three. A solid opponent like Safarova is tough early in a draw and we'll see if Kerber can use this as motivation moving forward.
Safarova is a player who is certainly capable of playing top level tennis but has her ranking currently at No. 31. She's part of the No. 2 doubles tandem in the draw alongside usual partner Barbora Strycova.
Kerber's draw doesn't get any easier as she will next face American Venus Williams who is seeded 2nd. Kerber has a narrow 4-3 lead in their career head to head although Williams won their only encounter in 2017 in straight sets in Miami.
Comments