Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Defending champion Bertens out of Cincinnati

Kiki Bertens, the 2018 Western & Southern Open champion, lost to Venus Williams today in the 2nd round of play in Cincinnati. Williams defeated 5th seed Bertens 6-3, 3-6, 7-6. Not long after that match ended, 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza was defeated, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, by Madison Keys.

There are still a few former champions left in the draw. 2016 champion Karolina Pliskova, seeded 3rd, has yet to play her second round match. Also yet to play is Serena Williams, who won the event in 2014 and 2015. 2011 champion Maria Sharapova won her opening round match against Alison Riske last night.

2016 runner-up Angie Kerber was also defeated today--by Anett Kontaveit. Belinda Bencic retired in the second set of her match against Vika Azarenka; Bencic sustained a left foot injury.

In doubles, the 6th-seeded Chan sisters went out to the comeback team of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and CoCo Vandeweghe. The Chans aren't the only sisters on the doubles court in Cincinnati: The Pliskova sisters are here, too, and they won their opening match yesterday.

The weather today was very warm and humid (yesterday was mild and pleasant), with the sun coming out every now and then. Rain was expected today, but--with the exception of a light, brief sprinkle--there was none.

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