Defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska experienced a tougher than expected opening match at the Shenzhen Open against world No.103 Ying-Ying Duan, coming through 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-5.
The two-and-a-half-hour battle saw the top seed struggle with her service throughout the closing stages of the match, dropping her serve five times (four of which occurred in the last set). Posting a first service rate of 66%, Radwanska’s mark was overshadowed by her rivals 72%. On her way to the win, the world No.3 was forced to fend off three match points before successfully converting her own two games later.
Defending #ShenzhenOpen champ @ARadwanska survives!
Saves THREE match points to edge Duan 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-5!! pic.twitter.com/5tqSx7SNpO
— WTA (@WTA) 2 January 2017
Second seed Simona Halep also endured a blip in her progression to the second round, but in a less dramatic manner. Facing former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic, Halep recovered from a costly break of service in the second set to close the match out 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
“It’s always tough to play against Jelena, she’s a good player. Was a tough first round to be honest, to start the year like that was not easy. But I was really proud that I could win against her even if it was three sets I think it was a good match for the next few weeks.” She told WTA Insider.
Halep, who lifted the Shenzhen title in 2015, will play Katerina Siniakova in the last 16. Czech player Siniakova, who peaked at a career high of 49th last year, eased her way past former US Open semifinalist Shuai Peng 6-3, 7-5.
Johanna Konta Kicked-off her partnership with new coach Wim Fissette by crushing Turkey’s Cagla Buyukakcay 6-0, 6-2. The British player won 69% of her service points and broke her opponent six times to seal the win in less than an hour. Furthermore, she fired 26 winners compared to just eight unforced errors,.
“I’m really happy to have started the year again, and I’m really enjoying my time in Shenzhen,” Konta said.
“I felt I did a good job of staying present and enjoying every point I got to compete out there today. I’m looking forward to my next match!”
Konta will play America’s Vania King in the next round.
