Sabine Lisicki loses in 1st round of Charleston Open against Dolehide

Sabine Lisicki returned to Charleston after winning the trophy here many years ago making her way into the main draw but she was beaten in the first round 6-4 6-4.

Caroline Dolehide, a native player proved better than the German in a very competitive and interesting 1st round clash. The American took a 3-0 lead early on in the match taking advantage of a bit of erratic play by the German. Lisicki did pull break one of the breaks but that was all she was able to do as Dolehide held her serve for the rest of the set.

She did face break points at 5-4 but held her serve to win the set. It was a crucial hold by the American because Lisicki was starting to find a really solid rhythm. The second set opened with an early break by Dolehide once more which further depleted Lisicki. She would later drop her serve once more giving the American a 5-1 lead which she was able to pull back a bit.

Her play was good at times and certainly good to win but she didn't hold that level for a very long time. Once again it was the American who started to play better and she finished it off 6-4.