Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo was forced to fight for her place in the second round of the International Women’s Open in Eastbourne, countrywoman Alize Cornet extending the 2006 Wimbledon champion to a tough three set win, 6-1 4-6 7-5.
Mauresmo was pleased with her performance in the opening match saying, “I made a good start today. My aggression dipped a bit in the second set but then in the third I began to play more aggressively again and things evened out.”
And she said that playing on grass felt like something of a homecoming. “I really love the grass,” she said, “playing on it feels natural to me, and it suits my game.”
One of two British women in the main draw, wild card recipient Katie O’Brien faced a tough contest against serve-volley aficionado Sam Stosur of Australia, falling to the former world No.1 doubles player, 6-4 6-3.
“I’m disappointed with the way I played today,” said the 22-year-old. “I just wasn’t able to execute my shots in the way that I had planned, she’s a tricky player to play.”
Tournament No.8 seed, Nadia Petrova, put in an efficient performance against Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2 6-2 and rising Chinese star Na Li won through her first round meeting against Casey Dellacqua of Australia.
Britain’s Melanie South headlines day two of the International Women’s Open, playing on centre court at 11.30am.
The 22-year-old from Surrey said she’s planning to consolidate on the gains she’s made so far in the grass court season.
“After some great wins in Edgbaston last week, I’m looking to build on those performances in Eastbourne,” said South. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well and I’ve got a lot of confidence in my game at the moment. I can’t wait to get out on court tomorrow as I love playing on grass in front of a home crowd.”
South is followed onto centre court by tournament No.7 seed Nicole Vaidisova, with former Wimbledon champion Lindsay Davenport third on, No.1 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova fourth on and British doubles pairing Elena Baltacha and Naomi Cavaday rounding off the day’s centre court action.
Tickets are currently on sale for the International Women’s Open which takes place at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park and offers sports fans an opportunity to watch world class tennis. Ticket information is available from the box office on 01323 412 000. Main draw matches take place between 16th-21st June.