Top-seed Kerber wins Linz opener after false start
LINZ, Austria— Topseeded Angelique Kerber overcame a poor start to beat Monica Niculescu of Romania 0-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the first round of the Generali Ladies on Wednesday.
The 10th-ranked German struggled for rhythm and won just five points on her own serve as she lost the opening set in 22 minutes. Kerber settled after an early break in the second and conceded just three games in the remainder of the match.
"I just wasn't there in the first set. I was too nervous," Kerber said. "I am happy that I managed to turn the match around."
Kerber was given a late wildcard entry to replace Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic after the former Wimbledon champion pulled out with a back injury.
Kerber leads the competition for the eighth and final spot at the season-ending WTA Championships in Istanbul. She needs a semifinal place this week or a quarterfinal in Moscow next week to secure it.
"I try not to think about that," Kerber said. "I want to focus on my next match and have fun on the court without added pressure."
In the second round, Kerber faces another player from Romania, Alexandra Cadantu, who beat Melanie Klaffner of Austria 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Two-time former champion Ana Ivanovic reached her fourth quarterfinal of the season by defeating Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-3, 7-5.