Top seed Aryna Sabalenka started her campaign at the German Open in Berlin with a solid victory on Tuesday, as she prepares for the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.
The world number two defeated veteran Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2 to secure her place in the last 16 at the All England Club next month.
The Australia Open champion Sabalenka, who has only lost six matches this season, praised her 38-year-old opponent, considering her a “legend” in the sport.
Reflecting on their age difference, Sabalenka humorously remarked that she might also become a legend one day, with someone reminding her that she won her first match in Berlin when her opponent was just five years old.
In another notable match, American teenager Coco Gauff delivered a strong performance, defeating Czech player Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets.
Gauff, who reached the semifinals in Berlin last year, displayed dominance on the grass court, marking her first appearance on this surface in 2023.
Meanwhile, defending champion Ons Jabeur fell short in her attempt to defend her title, losing to German qualifier Jule Niemeier 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.
Despite being ranked 120th in the world, Niemeier displayed resilience, saving two match points in the ninth game of the first set and breaking serve in the opening game of the second set. The 23-year-old eventually capitalized on her second match point to secure a spot in the last 16.
Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina, the world number three and defending Wimbledon finalist, won her opening match in straight sets against Polina Kudermetova, with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Rybakina had to endure a three-hour rain delay after winning the first game before play could resume.
The Kazakh player withdrew from the French Open due to illness, despite being considered one of the favourites for the tournament.
The star-studded WTA tournament in Berlin, taking place just two weeks before Wimbledon, features nine of the top 10-ranked women in the world, adding to the excitement and competitiveness of the event.
