For the recap of the Day 2 men’s action, click here.
The defending champion cruises into Round 2, double bagels continue to be handed out, and two of last year’s semifinalists bite the dust to cap off Round 1.
Who looked good:
Petra Kvitova (def. Bertens 6-1 6-0): The defending champion was spotless in opening her bid for a 3rd Wimbledon title, losing just 1 point on serve (a double fault) in dismantling Kiki Bertens in a mere 33 minutes.
Garbine Muguruza (def. Lepchenko 6-4 6-1): The 20th seed had a solid serving day, which included winning nearly 60% of her 2nd serve points to progress to Round 2. A 2-time quarterfinalist at the French Open, the Spaniard’s game is well-suited for the grass and this impressive performance over the tricky lefty from the States is a good way to begin her Wimbledon campaign.
Alize Cornet (def. Konjuh 6-2 6-2): The Frenchwoman dominated the talented 17-year old from Croatia with an efficient performance, winning 68% of her total serve points, only committing 8 unforced errors, and taking nearly 60% of the points she received from the Croat. The 25th seed no doubt has great memories from her upset over Serena Williams here last year and she is off to a solid start this fortnight.
Who looked bad:
Eugenie Bouchard (l. to Duan 7-6 (7-3) 6-4): The Canadian’s miserable season continues with a flat, meek effort against the big-hitting Chinese qualifier Ying-Ying Duan. Committing 10 double faults and falling out of the Top 20 with this loss, Bouchard and new coach Sam Sumyk have a ton to work as the North American hardcourt summer fast approaches.
Late note: Bouchard revealed after the match she had two Grade 2 tears in her abdomen.
Simona Halep (l. to Cepelova 5-7 6-4 6-3): Similar to Bouchard, the Romanian’s Grand Slam campaign is not reaching the heights it did last year. Unlike the Canadian, she seems to be on solid ground overall, despite another coaching change. Today was not one of her better days, however. She double faulted 7 times, committed 34 unforced errors and could only capitalize on 7 of her 17 break point chances. With only 2 titles to her name this year, another new coach and a 3rd straight dispiriting Grand Slam loss, Halep faces a summer of questions leading into the U.S. Open.
Match of the Day:
28th seed Jelena Jankovic def. Elena Vesnina 6-4 3-6 10-8
Played out on Court 16, the former world #1 and the Russian gave the fans a true thriller. Combining for 95 winners, 19 aces and winning 73% of their net points, the two battled for 2 hours and 41 minutes while putting on a show of skill, variety and quality until the Serb finally prevailed when one final Vesnina forehand went long, winning just 4 more points overall in the match(130-126).
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