SANTA PONSA, June 20, 2018

Angelique Kerber feels comfortable on grass, as she explained before the start of the third edition of the WTA Mallorca Open. However, the No. 2 seed of Germany lost to Alison Riske from the United States 7-5, 2-6, 1-6 in the opening round.

Due to bad light the match had been interrupted on Tuesday evening at the score of  7-5, 2-6, 1-1. In the continuation on Wednesday afternoon Riske showed an impressive performance, winning five games in a row to seal victory in one hour and minutes.

“That was a challenge for me. I knew she is good on grass. She plays flat, goes down to her knees and moves very well,” said Kerber about her conqueror. Nevertheless, the No. 11 in the WTA ranking takes many positive impressions from her debut at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club.

“I do not think the tournament is negative because of the defeat. There are great players here, which is very interesting for the audience. The Mallorca Open is a tournament with a pleasant atmosphere and a perfect preparation for Wimbledon.”

Riske will next take on Polona Hercog of Slovenia.

“I always love playing on grass, it’s my favorite time of year,” the 27-year-old Pittsburgh native smiled afterwards. “And I think this is the hottest weather I’ve ever had while playing on a grass court, so it’s been really nice – gorgeous!”