Angelique Kerber secured her first victory since the 2022 Wimbledon, defeating Petra Martic 6-3, 6-4. The former world No. 1 participated in her third tournament of the season, following consecutive first-round exits at the Australian Open and Linz Open. The German had been absent from the WTA Tour since July 2022 due to her pregnancy.
The 3-times Grand Slam champion boasts a 23-12 record at the Tennis Paradise, including semifinals in 2012 and 2013, as well as the 2019 final, where she fell to Bianca Andreescu.
In the first set, Kerber took an early lead, securing a break to go up 2-0. However, her opponent quickly recovered the break to level the score at 2-2. Kerber then secured another break in a contested sixth game, and with her service, she moved ahead 5-2. The former world No. 1 did not falter with her serve and closed the set 6-3.
Kerber displayed an impressive performance with her service, landing 74% of her first serves and winning 70% of them, compared to Martic's 44% of first serves, winning 67%.
Read also
The second set also favored Kerber from the start, securing a break in the opening game. Although Martic quickly responded with a break back, the match remained evenly contested until 2-2, where Kerber secured the decisive break. This was enough for her to close the match from her service, sealing the victory in an hour and 31 minutes with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
The former world No. 1 faces a tough challenge in the second round against the 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko, who had a bye in the first round.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
