Italian Open: Barbora Strycova, Sofia Kenin, Anett Kontaveit All Advance in Rome

Barbora Strycova earned her first singles victory since returning from maternity leave, beating Maryna Zanevska 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old Strycova returned to the tour two weeks ago at the Madrid Open after more than two years away following the birth of her son, Vincent. After beating Zanevska, Strycova was handed her 1-year-old son, who she told to “wave to daddy” in front of a TV camera.

ALSO READ| UCL: Kevin De Bruyne’s Brilliant Second Half Strike Helps Manchester City Earn 1-1 Draw Against Real Madrid

In Madrid, Strycova lost her opener in singles and reached the quarterfinals in doubles with partner Hsieh Su-wei.

Strycova, who will next face ninth-seeded Maria Sakkari, is planning to retire after this year’s U.S. Open.

Also on the red clay of the Foro Italico, former French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova defeated Kaia Kanepi 6-0, 4-6, 6-2, and will next play former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu.

Anna Blinkova rallied past Madrid quarterfinalist Mayar Sherif 2-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Also advancing were Sofia Kenin, Caty McNally, Anett Kontaveit, Wang Xiyu, Nuria Parrizas Dias, Linda Noskova, Jasmine Paolini and Lisa Pigato.

The men’s tournament, headlined by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, begins on Wednesday.

ALSO READ| Mauricio Pochettino Sets Up Three-Man Transfer Plan For Chelsea: Report

 Like Madrid, Rome features expanded 96-player draws for both men and women this year.

Strycova and Hsieh are also entered in the doubles tournament, which they won in 2020.

Read all the Latest Sports News, Check Out Orange Cap and Purple Cap holder details here

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)