Kenin opens season with win

Sofia Kenin opened her season by beating Yang Zhaoxuan 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open.

The American hit 11 aces against Yang to set up a second-round match against Kirsten Flipkens.

Second-seeded Elina Svitolina had to contend with the wind changing direction as she won 6-4, 6-3 against American Jessica Pegula.

Third-seeded Karolina Pliskova hit seven double-faults in a tough match against 278thranked lucky loser Despina Papamichail before winning 6-2, 7-6 (4).