Best moments from round one of the Rothesay Open Nottingham

07/06/22 • 3 MINUTE READ

As day two comes to a close, we reflect on some of our favourite moments from the first round of the Rothesay Open. From upsets to big wins, this Midland’s opener didn’t disappoint!

Coming in hot: the Brits storm into the second round

Day one of the Rothesay Open saw Harriet Dart lead the British charge as she snapped a straight-sets victory against former champion Donna Vekic, meanwhile Heather Watson overcame blistery conditions to come out on top in a battle of the breaks with American star Katie Volynets.

Jodie Burrage continued to shine after her successful run at Surbiton, winning her opening set to advance to the second round. Also into the second round is men’s singles top seed, and former champion, Dan Evans who defeated Frenchman Enzo Couacaud 7-5, 7-6(3).

Into the second day of action and Lily Miyazaki claimed the biggest win of her career so far as she defeated France’s Magdalena Frech 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 to reach the second round. Qualifier Katie Boulter also stormed into the second round after winning three-set thriller against Germany's Tatjana Maria.

Wildcard Dan Cox claimed his first ATP Challenger main draw victory since 2015, while Paul Jubb and Liam Broady also ended the day on a high after victories to send them through to the next round.

See the list below for all the Brits’ results from day one and two of the Rothesay Open.

Men’s Singles Matches

Dan Evans (1) won 7-5, 7-6(3) vs Enzo Couacaud (FRA)
Liam Broady won 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 vs Constant Lestienne (FRA)
Jay Clarke won 6-3, 6-2 vs wild card Paul Jubb (GBR)
Dan Cox won 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 vs Federico Gaio (ITA)
Ryan Peniston won 6-7(7), 7-6(5), 7-6(6) vs Jiri Vesely (2) (CZE)

Women’s Singles Matches

Harriet Dart won 6-4, 6-3 vs Donna Vekic (CRO)
Heather Watson won 6-4, 6-2 vs Katie Volynets (USA)
Jodie Burrage won 7-6(5), 6-4 vs Lin Zhu (CHN)
Lily Miyazaki won 6-4, 1-6, 6-1 vs Magdalena Frech (POL)
Katie Boulter won 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 vs Tatjana Maria (GER)
Sonay Kartal lost 6-4, 6-3 vs Camila Giorgi (3) (ITA)
Eden Silva lost 6-4, 6-4 vs Rebecca Marino (CAN)
Emma Raducanu W/O Viktorija Golubic (SUI)

Shot of the Day goes to… Heather Watson!

Painting the lines seems to be a pretty easy task for 30-year-old Heather Watson as she stole the show against Katie Volynets. Sprinkling her magic, Watson had no fear as she responded to Volynets’ sneaky topspin backhand with a lovely backhand slice, rolling the ball round with the use of her wrists – simply magical.

An inspiring message from Britain's Jay Clarke

23-year-old Jay Clarke played on the crowd’s heartstrings this afternoon after his first-round victory against fellow Briton, Paul Jubb.

An emotive post-match question received an inspiring response from Clarke as he discussed representing young, black British people and his hopes of encouraging a generation to get on court.

Top seeds in action

So, we’ve reminisced over some of our favourite British moments, but what about some of Nottingham’s most memorable international moments?

To kick us off we have the Greek-born history-maker, Maria Sakkari, who enters the Rothesay Open as top seed in the women’s singles main draw. The world No.5 launched her grass court campaign with a comfortable win against Camila Osorio – unleashing a solid performance by acing her way to a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

Born in Macerata, Italy, the reigning Montreal champion, Camila Giorgi, showed she means business as she defeated up-and-coming British star, Sonay Kartal, in a race to the second round.

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