Sabalenka returns with win over Tomljanovic at Kremlin Cup
MOSCOW (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka played a match for the first time since reaching the U.S. Open semifinals and subsequently testing positive for the coronavirus, beating Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-1 Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Kremlin Cup.
The second-ranked Belarusian, who had a bye in the first round, had 10 aces but also made 30 unforced errors.
“She’s a tough opponent for the first match after a long time out on a break,” Sabalenka said. “I calmed down a bit and started playing well.”
Sabalenka had not played since her three-set loss to Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinals. She was due to play in Indian Wells, California, but said she had tested positive for the coronavirus the day before play started.
Sabalenka will next play Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Anhelina Kalinina 6-4, 6-1.
Garbine Muguruza reach the quarterfinals by beating Tereza Martincova 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. She will next face either Anett Kontaveit or Andrea Petkovic.
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
HEADLINES
- Italian Open roundup: Djokovic wins 1st match in a month, Rybakina withdraws
- 2020 US Open champion Thiem retiring at season's end
- Nadal turns back the clock in comeback win at Italian Open
- 2 more tennis players banned over links to Belgian match-fixing syndicate
- Italian Open roundup: Osaka makes strong start, Darderi ousts Shapovalov