Muguruza and Kasatkina survive tough opening day battles

Monday, 18 February 2019 10:18

Two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza and 2018 finalist Daria Kasatkina survived tough opening day battles at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Twelfth-seeded Muguruza needed seven match points to overcome Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, while Kasatkina took more than two hours to beat qualifier Magdalena Frech 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

Canada's Eugenie Bouchard also booked her place in the next round with a straight-sets win over Vera Lapko 6-3, 6-4.

Meanwhile, former champion Sara Errani, tenth seed Anastasija Sevastova and Ekaterina Makarova were some of the big names who crashed out of the first round.

More from Sports News

UAE Team Emirates rider achieves third on Itzulia Basque Country opening day

Making a flying start to the week at Itzulia Basque Country, Felix Großschartner of UAE Team Emirates-XRG has rode to third place in the Stage 1 individual time trial.
Pogacar wins third Flanders crown but faces fine for running red light

Tadej Pogacar has clinched a record-equalling third Tour of Flanders title on Sunday, but the Slovenian could face a fine from local authorities after running a red light at a railway crossing.
Thuram and Martinez star as Inter dismantle Roma

Inter Milan delivered a ruthless attacking masterclass to dismantle AS Roma 5-2 at home on Sunday, tightening their grip on the Serie A title as Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez spearheaded the rout.
Silva to exit Man City at end of season, assistant manager confirms

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva will leave the club at the end of the season, assistant manager Pep Lijnders confirmed on Sunday.
Penalty heroics help Leeds beat West Ham to reach FA Cup semis

Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri saved two penalties as they edged past West Ham United 4-2 in a shootout, after their FA Cup quarter-final tie ended 2-2 after extra time.