Rogers Cup: Barty and Stephens knocked out, loss for Kyrgios
Some of the star players in both women's and men's singles at the ongoing Rogers Cup faced defeat in the early stages. Women's world number one Ashleigh Barty crashed out of the WTA tournament, alongside Sloane Stephens on Wednesday. In the men's section, Washington Open winner Nick Kyrgios faced a stunning defeat in the opening round. Here are the details.
20-year-old American Sofia Kenin overcame Barty 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 in the second round. After losing the first set by a whisker, Kenin gained prominence. "It just wasn't there today. At times I was missing by big margins, which is not something that I'm very used to," said Barty. Her number one status is in danger with Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova hanging around.
Croatia's Donna Vekic saved three match points on the way to register a 3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) win over American Madison Keys in the first round. Whereas, seventh-seeded American Sloane Stephens fell 2-6, 5-7 to Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova in the second round. The 91st ranked Bouzkova was thrilled, "I honestly still can't believe it," she said. Stephens made 48 unforced errors.
Bianca Andreescu (CAN) beat Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. Carla Suárez (ESP) beat Venus Williams (USA) 6-4, 6-2. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) beat Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-2, 6-2. Katerina Siniakova (CZE) beatt Danielle Collins (USA) 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) beat Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x9) 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. Zhang Shuai (CHN) beat Anastasija Sevastova (LAT x10) 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.
Briton Kyle Edmund stunned high-flying Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles first round. Edmund produced a solid display to tame the Aussie 6-3, 6-4. "I'm a little bit tired. Physically I actually feel like I'm OK. Kyle played well, served well and didn't really give me any rhythm into the match at all," Kyrgios said.
Meanwhile, Daniel Evans defeated Alex de Minaur 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). John Isner rallied past Jordan Thompson 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6). Felix Auger-Aliassime sealed the highly-touted battle of Canadians over Vasek Pospisil 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/3). Marin Cilic withstood 19 aces from qualifier Bradley Klahn to reach the second round 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). "I didn't know what to expect," said Cilic post his victory.
