BIG NAMES KEEP TUMBLING

DAY two of the Hobart International saw the field of former winners dwindle as another early upset rocked centre court before a former world number four staked an early claim on a second title.

Following the shock firstround exit of number four seed Sloane Stephens on Monday, number three seed Alize Cornet was defeated in straight sets by Elisabetta Cocciaretto on Tuesday afternoon.

The world number 67 advanced in straight sets 6-4, 6-2 to defeat the 2016 champion in an hour and 25 minutes. In the first game on centre court, the 21-year-old Italian was on fire from the outset, taking a 4-2 lead inside the first halfhour with her service game and powerful backhand a standout for those in attendance.

She eventually won the opening set in 41 minutes, with a 40-0 game, and looked well on her way to victory after she took the opening game of the second set.

Despite a strong fightback from Cornet, with the pair locked in battle for 10 minutes, she again overpowered her more experienced opponent to take a 2-0 lead.

Cornet wouldn’t go away without a fight though, with the 2020 Australian Open quarter finalist rallying to take the next two games and have Cocciaretto on the back foot for the first time in the match.

Frustration would soon set in for the world number 34 however with her younger opponent taking over to win four consecutive games and claim victory in her debut appearance in Hobart.

“It was unexpected because she is one of the best athletes in our sport so I’m very happy with my performance,” Cocciaretto said post-match. “My forehand and backhand were really strong and I was trying to play my own game and it worked really well today.”

While Cornet will be left ruing an opportunity to win a

second Angie Cunningham trophy, American Sofia Kennin returned with a bang to send Lin Zhu packing 6-2, 6-2.

The 2019 champion was electric in the opening set and took just 37 minutes to have Zhu on the ropes

The world number 85 responded strongly in the second but every time it looked like she was getting on top, Kennin had the answer with the 24-year-old happy to advance to the round of 16.

“I felt like I played well out there, it was tough conditions but I’m happy with my game,” Kennin said.

“I knew she was going to lift her game and the second set may look easy (from a score perspective) but every game was close. I had to manage my nerves and my game plan.

“I love being back. I love this court and this crowd. All the players really enjoy their time here.”

The 2020 Australian Open winner, who has battled injury and poor form since her

Grand Slam win at Melbourne Park, will now face either number three seed Elise Mertens or qualifier Maryna Zanevska.

Meanwhile Cocciaretto will face fellow Italian Jasmine Paolini on Wednesday for a chance to advance through to the quarterfinals later in the week.