WIMBLEDON: As the clock struck 1 pm at The All England Club two main features of the women’s draw took to the courts.
On the premier Center Court defending champion, Angelique Kerber took on rival Tatijana Maria. Continuing the tournament tradition of the reigning women’s champion opening up the premier court on the first Tuesday. At the same time, world No.1 Ash Barty graced her presence on Court one against China’s Saisai Zheng. Some may question the logic of playing both of these matches at the same time, but it was irrelevant.
Kerber illustrated why she is a threat to anybody on the grass as she disposed of Maria 6-4, 6-3. A potentially dangerous opponent, who defeated Elina Svitolina in the first round of the tournament 12 months ago. There would be no joy for the underdog this time around as Kerber prevailed in a roller coaster victory that saw her drop serve four times. Hitting 22 winners and converting seven out of her 11 break point opportunities.
“To come back and walk onto Centre Court is really special.” Said Kerber.
“A lot of emotions and memories were coming back.’
“ (Maria) was a tricky opponent. I was trying to find my game and play every single point.”
It was a more straightforward scenario for Barty, who defeated Zhang 6-4,6-2. She was well aware of the threat she faced after dropping a set against her opponent in their two previous meetings. However, this time around it was mainly one-way for the Australian, who has extended her winning streak to 13 matches. The solid performance saw the top seed win 86% of her first service points as she broke her rival four times. Twice in each set.
“The first round is always tough and I think it took a bit of time to get used to the conditions,” Barty told BBC Sport.
A lot has changed for Barty compared to 2018 when she was seeded 17th at Wimbledon. In recent weeks she has become the first woman since Justine Henin back in 2007 to win both the French Open and a grass-court title within the same season. She has won 37 matches on the WTA Tour this year, which is more than anybody else.
“It feels incredible, it is a little bit of a bizarre feeling, to be honest.” She commented about her rise to the top of the rankings.
Next Kerber will play Lauren Davis. Meanwhile, Barty has a meeting with Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck. A player who defeated Garbine Muguruza at Wimbledon last year.
“An exceptional challenge. Alison has a big game and is able to take it away from you on certain points. It will be important for me to look after my serve and work my way in.” Barty previewed.
Both of those matches will take place on Thursday.
