Resurgent Sofia Kenin beats Veronika Kudermetova to reach last 16 of San Diego Open, Jelena Ostapenko also through

Published 13/09/2023 at 05:16 GMT

Sofia Kenin fell out of the world top 200 in recent years after struggles with both her form and fitness, but after cracking the top 125 once more, she enjoyed success on Tuesday in San Diego when she beat top-20 player Veronika Kudermetova in the round of 32. There was also victory for US Open quarter-finalist Jelena Ostapenko against No. 8 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

ROME, ITALY - MAY 11: Sofia Kenin of the United States celebrates a break point against Aryna Sabalenka during the Women's Singles Second Round match on Day Four at Foro Italico on May 11, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Image credit: Eurosport

Sofia Kenin defeated Veronika Kudermetova 6-4 6-4 to reach the last 16 at the San Diego Open.

Kenin was the Australian Open champion back in 2020, but has been beset by struggles with form and injury until now.

At one point she dropped out of the top 200, but has once again cracked the top 125 as the 24-year-old attempts to get back to her best.

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World No. 19 Kudermetova was the favourite going into the tie, but she struggled with her first serve compared to her American rival.

Kenin was more ruthless when it was needed, converting three of the five break points she earned, with Kudermetova able to push through just one.

She was able to take advantage of her opponent’s weaker service game as she wrapped things up in straight sets.

Kenin will play another American, Katie Volynets, in the next round.

Anhelina Kalinina defeated Karolina Pliskova for the first time in their three matches against one another.

While Kalinina battled to the first set on a tie-break, winning 7-6(4), she lost her way completely in the second as Pliskova won 6-0.

However the Ukrainian then impressed by regaining her momentum to win 6-3 in the third set to reach the last 16 at Barnes Stadium, and she will play another Czech player, Barbora Krejcikova, on Wednesday.

Her compatriot Marta Kostyuk had an easier time of it as she defeated Poland’s Magda Linette in straight sets, 6-2 7-6(5).

In an all-US tie, Danielle Collins defeated Louise Chirico 7-5 6-0.

There was also victory for 2023 US Open quarter-finalist Jelena Ostapenko. The Latvian beat Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(3) 6-7(6) 7-5 and will play Collins next.

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