Former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin has made a shiny begin on the Hobart International, beating higher-ranked Lin Zhu in straight units.
Kenin, who sits at world No.143 three years after her Melbourne Park triumph, was too sturdy in a 6-2 6-2 first-round win over her 85-ranked opponent on Tuesday.
It units up a possible conflict with world No.27 and second seed Elise Mertens, who meets qualifier Maryna Zanevska on Tuesday night time.
“I feel like I played well out there. It was tough conditions,” Kenin, who gained the Hobart title in 2019, stated.
“I’m happy with the way I’m playing, so I’m just going to try and keep it going.”
The 24-year-old American, who has battled harm and poor type since her 2020 Australian Open title, made the second spherical in Auckland final week, shedding to eventual winner Coco Gauff.
Hobart misplaced its second greater profile participant within the house of two days on Tuesday, with third seed and former winner Alize Cornet happening 6-4 6-2 to Italian 21-year-old Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Cocciaretto will subsequent meet countrywoman Jasmine Paolini for a spot within the quarter-finals.
It comes after fourth seed Sloane Stephens was eradicated within the first spherical on Monday.
In different first-round outcomes, sixth seed Bernarda Pera beat fellow American Madison Brengle in straight units and eighth seed Yulia Putintseva toppled Claire Liu 6-2 6-4.
