NÜRNBERG, May 21, 2017

Sorana Cirstea emerged victorious from an all-Romanian-affair on the opening day of the main draw at the WTA Nürnberger Versicherungscup. The 27-year-old Bucharest native benefited from the retirement of eighth seed Monica Nicluesco, leading 6-4, 1-0.

Cirstea will next take on Varvara Lepchenko from the United States, who beat Evgeniya Rodina of Russia 6-2, 6-2 in 69 minutes.

Kirsten Flipkens from Belgium overcame Ajla Tomljanovic of Croatia, sealing a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 victory in one hour and 59 minutes. Flipkens awaits the winner of the encounter between Elise Mertens and fifth seed Alison Riske.

Qualifiers Complete Main Draw

Earlier in the day, six women battled through the qualifying including two Germans. Anna Zaja defeated Julia Glushko from Israel 7-6, 6-0 to reach the main draw. The World No. 262 sent down eight aces, winning 69 per cent of her first service points to secure victory in one hour and 29 minutes.

Zaja, who is going to face Yaroslava Shvedova in the opening round, will be joined by compatriot Lena Rueffer. The only 18-year-old wild card entry edged past Victoria Kamenskaya 6-2, 6-3 in 69 minutes. Alexandra Cadantu from Romania, Swiss Amra Sadikovic, Barbora Krejcikova and Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic also advanced to the main draw.