Kerber Keeps Up Good Form At Mallorca Open

Angelique Kerber (photo: Manuel Queimadelos)

MALLORCA, June 21, 2019

The top seven seeds were in action on quarterfinals Friday at the Mallorca Open. Angelique Kerber, the tournament’s No. 1, advanced to the stage of the final four with a straight sets victory over Caroline Garcia of France.

Kerber converted four of her seven break point chances to finish the encounter in one hour and 35 minutes.

“It’s really nice to be in the semis here, it’s a great tournament,” Kerber said, as quoted on the WTA Tour website. “I played really good; it’s the first tournament on grass, so I’m looking forward to playing the semis right now.”

Next up for Kerber will be Belinda Bencic. The No. 3 seed from Switzerland eased past US-American teenager Amanda Anisimova, winning 6-2, 6-2 in only 62 minutes.

“The first time [on grass] is very special because you wait all year to get on the grass again,” Bencic said after her win. “I feel like with every match, you figure out more what works on grass and what doesn’t.”

Sofia Kenin opened play on Pista Central at the Santa Ponsa Tenis Club with a hard-fought 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 win over No. 4 seeded Belgian Elise Mertens. The seventh favourite from the United States capitalized on five of her 10 break point opportunities to prevail after one hour and 51 minutes.

Kenin will next take on No. 2 seed Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia. The World No. 12 cruised past Chinese Yafan Wang, winning 6-2, 6-1 in 61 minutes.