WTA Berlin: Lisicki is defeated by Garcia, Kvitova beats Pliskova
Former Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki missed a surprise at the top-class WTA tournament in Berlin.
by SID/red
last edit: Jun 19, 2023, 06:58 pm
Ten years after her career highlight in London, the former top player lost in the first round 6:7 (2:7), 3:6 to third-placed Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia. Lisicki, who is now 308th in the world rankings, received a wildcard for the grass event in her home country.
The 33-year-old Lisicki kept up well at the highest level despite a lack of match practice. Garcia, who reached the semifinals at the US Open last year, had major problems with Lisicki's massive game at times. In the second set, however, the fourth in the world rankings increased and pulled away.
Kvitova wins Czech duel
In addition to Lisicki, who stormed into the final in Wimbledon in 2013, but lost there in two sets against Marion Bartoli from France, two other Germans are in the main draw: Jule Niemeier and Laura Siegemund will enter the tournament on Tuesday.
A round further is Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon winner. Kvitova won against her Czech compatriot Karolina Pliskova 6:3 and 6:4. Donna Vekic had no problems in the 6:3 and 6:2 against Varvara Gracheva.