Pedigree shows as stars take charge
AUSTRALIAN Open title contenders Elina Svitolina and Johanna Konta ( right) both impressed with firstround Brisbane International wins on Monday.
Petra Kvitova’s grand slam preparation has been disrupted though, the twotime Wimbledon champion citing a virus when withdrawing hours before her opening- round match, .
Third seed Elina Svitolina powered past Carla Sua- rez Navarro in a high- quality tussle, the Ukrainian n prevailing 6- 2 6- 4 as the energetic Spaniard made her work for every point.
Ultimately, the world No. 6 had the answers, rattling off a series of winners to claim the first set before pouncing on Suarez Navarro’s serve at 5- 4 to complete the victory.
Konta’s 4- 6 6- 4 6- 3 win over US Open finalist Madison Keys was just as impressive, the world No. 9 recovering from a set down to prevail in a touch over two hours.
It broke a four- match losing streak for the Brit, who will play Ajla Tomljanovic in the second round.
Svitolina had a careerbest year in 2017, winning a tour- best five WTA titles to peak at a career- high ranking of No. 3.
Chuffed at how well she served in key moments yesterday, Svitolina admitted that climbing to the top of the women’s rankings this year had been on her mind.
“Of course this is the goal, but I don’t want to have this pressure,” she said.
“Play my best and improve each tournament, each match and be strong mentally – there’s lots of things, not only being No. 1.
“There was some tough moments, was struggling with a few injuries ... but I think we’re on the right path.”
Kvitova withdrew from the tournament with a virus and will be replaced by lucky loser Heather Watson, who was to take on Anett Kontaveit late yesterday.
Kvitova is faring well in her comeback from hand surgery after being stabbed in a home invasion about a year ago, and was ranked No. 29 to start the Australian summer.
Having stormed through qualifying, 2012 Brisbane champion Kaia Kanepi disposed of Daria Kasatkina 6- 2 6- 2 and will play the winner of last night’s match between Ashleigh Barty and Lesia Tsurenko.