Pliskova makes winning start as No.1

Originally published on 10/08/17 00:00

The Czech, who struggled with her first serve percentage, was less than thrilled with her performance but ultimately pleased with the outcome.

"I had not played a match since Wimbledon, so I was not really expecting good tennis, and it was not good tennis,” admitted Pliskova. "I'm happy to be back even though the match was not the best. I can be better in a few more matches or in a few more days.”

The Wimbledon champion, Garbine Muguruza, was pushed by Kirsten Flipkens but prevailed 7-5 6-2. “I think I always have ups and downs, said the Spaniard. “What keeps me concentrated is that I train hard, and come to a tournament ready to play.

"I'm concentrating a lot on working hard, not taking anything for granted. You have all these opponents that they just want to beat you, and they're playing well as well."

Ekaterina Makarova continued her winning run as she saved two match-points before ousting Johanna Konta in a surprise second round result.

The Russian, who won a third career title at the Citi Open last week, had lost all four of her previous encounters with the Brit however it was fifth time lucky as she scored an impressive 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3 victory.

No.2 seed, Simona Halep, is safely through after a 6-3 6-4 win over Magdalena Rybarikova. Catherine Bellis continues to rack up big wins and Svetlana Kuznetsova was her latest victim. The teenager overcame the former French Open winner 6-4 7-5.

Agnieszka Radwanska was in no mood to become engaged in a protracted affair as she thrashed Timea Babos 6-0 6-1 in just 46 minutes. Venus Williams, Caroline Garcia, Lucie Safarova, Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty were also winners on day three in Toronto. 

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