INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) – Three-times Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber defeated Petra Martic 6-3 6-4 in the opening round of the Indian Wells tournament on Wednesday, while 2021 champion Paula Badosa had to withdraw from her first round match due to injury.
The German player, Kerber, who made a comeback to the tour earlier this year after taking 18 months off for maternity leave, showcased some strong serving skills on a sunny centre court before rain interrupted the evening play.
“Follow your heart, enjoy what you love and dream big,” Kerber shared when asked about the message she would like to send to her daughter, Liana.
Kerber will face a tough challenge in the next round against the in-form Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia on Friday.
On the other hand, Badosa had to pull out of the tournament due to a lower back injury, and she will be replaced by Nadia Podoroska from Argentina.
“So sorry I have to withdraw from my favourite tournament,” Badosa expressed on social media. “I tried everything to be able to play but it wasn’t enough. I’m struggling with my injury but I’m fighting every day to make a quick recovery.”
Italy’s Camila Giorgi, as well as Americans Katie Volynets and Bernarda Pera, were among the players who advanced to the second round of the competition.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
