Angelique Kerber was eliminated in the second round of the WTA tournament in Beijing.The Kieler, who was tenth seeded, was defeated by Alizé Cornet (WTA No. 37) with 4:6,4:6.
After 1:31 hours, the French woman turned her third match point.It was Kerber’s first defeat in the fourth duel with Cornet.She will now face either the Belgian Elise Mertens or her countrywoman Caroline Garcia, who celebrated her greatest career success in Wuhan on Sunday.
The 29-year-old German was leading 3-1 after a break at the beginning of the first round, but then lost a forehand against herself at the third set point.On the Moon Court at the National Tennis Stadium, Kerber got the better start in the second set.But the left-hander had to give up her serve five times in total and was disappointed.
Last week, the German number one in Wuhan had already failed in its opening round with the eventual winner Caroline Garcia (France).Kerber had previously reached Tokyo’s semi-finals, but missed her second final in 2017 since Monterrey in April.
Last season, the former world number one had won the Grand Slam events in Melbourne and New York, among other things, but this year the longed-for tournament victory also failed on the Asian tour.
In Beijing, too, there are no longer two fellow favourites: the current industry leader, Garbine Muguruza from Spain, had to give up in her match against Barbora Strycova due to malaise.US Open winner Sloane Stephens had no chance against her compatriot Christina McHale.
Here is the single panel in Beijing