WTA Riyadh: Gauff And Swiatek Triumph In Opening Matches
The inaugural WTA Riyadh tournament got underway on Monday with Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek among the winners in the opening round.
Gauff Cruises Past Tomova
American teenager Coco Gauff made a winning start to her campaign in Riyadh, defeating Viktorija Tomova of Bulgaria in straight sets. Gauff, who is seeded third in the tournament, won 6-4, 6-2 in front of enthusiastic crowd. Gauff hit 22 winners and won 76% of her first-serve points in her 68-minute victory.
"I'm really happy with the way I played today," Gauff said after the match. "I felt like I was really consistent and I was able to move well, which is important on this court."
Swiatek Wins In Three Sets
Top seed Iga Swiatek also had to work hard for her victory, coming from a set down to defeat qualifier Anastasia Potapova of Russia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Swiatek, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, hit 37 winners and saved 6 of 11 break points in her 2-hour, 17-minute win.
"It was a tough match," Swiatek said. "Anastasia is a good player and she made me work hard for the win. I'm happy that I was able to come back and win in three sets."
Other winners on Monday included Linda Noskova, Belinda Bencic and Petra Kvitova.
The WTA Riyadh tournament continues on Tuesday with second-round matches.