Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams survived scares to reach the second round of the China Open in Beijing.
On day two of the China Open, Elina Svitolina managed to comeback from a set down to beat last year’s finalist Anastasija Sevastova 6-7(4) 6-1 6-2.
Meanwhile Venus Williams’ return to Beijing was a successful one after recovering from 5-3 down in the deciding set to overcome Barbora Strycova 6-3 4-6 7-5.
There were also wins for Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep and Sloane Stephens on day two of main draw action at the China Open.
The first set was full of breaks for both players as the Ukrainian made a slow start to the contest against the world number 19.
Last year’s finalist produced a good opening set and converted 60% of her break point opportunities with some unique offensive tennis.
Despite not taking a series of set points in the lead up to the tiebreak, Sevastova managed to use her court craft to good effect and take the first 7-6(4) in just over an hour.
First set to Anastasija Sevastova!
She takes the tiebreak at the @ChinaOpen against Svitolina – and the first set, 7-6(4)!#ChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/6H74O0z7N1
— wta (@WTA) September 29, 2019
But the first set was the only positive for Sevastova in the match as she ended up making 40 unforced errors in the contest.
This was combined with Svitolina’s tremendous foot-speed and ability to turn defence into attack with one or two deep shots.
It was a much better level from the current WTA Finals champion as she managed to drop only three games on her way to the second round.
A much needed win, who is looking to qualify for the season-ending finale and defend her title in Shenzhen after winning in Singapore last year.
As for Sevastova, she loses 600 points after failing to defend her final points from last year and can expect a decline in the rankings.
The world number three will now play Yafan Wang of China in the next round.
Venus Battles, Osaka and Halep Triumph
In other results Venus Williams managed to win the last four games to edge past Barbora Strycova in 2 hours and 33 minutes.
Five breaks of serve was enough to see the American through in Beijing to play 9th seed Belinda Bencic in the second round.
There were also wins for defending champion Naomi Osaka, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep and Sloane Stephens after they all went through in straight sets.
