WTA Finals: Stephens wins Osaka, Bertens sinks Kerber

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2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens was delighted to have started her debut WTA Finals tournament with a hard-fought 7-5, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Naomi Osaka on Monday, especially after the American dropped a tight second set when she had appeared in total control.

Stephens stayed calm throughout the contest, adopting a patient approach from the baseline before unleashing her devastating forehand to keep her Japanese opponent pinned at the back of the court.

"No, I kept playing positive and strong," the world number six told reporters of her approach to the deciding set of their Red Group round robin opener.

"I mean, I didn't play bad in the second. Just kind of got away from me. I tried to regroup as best I could and played just like I was playing before."

"I thought I played a really good match. I played solid from start to finish. Obviously playing someone with a lot of confidence is always a tough task, but I think that I played well and I kept a good attitude. So I was pleased with that."

Naomi Osaka hits a return against Sloane Stephens during WTA Finals match on October 22, 2018. /VCG Photo

Stephens, who won the 2017 US Open after spending 11 months out with a foot injury, said she could sympathize with Osaka after the 21-year-old complained of exhaustion in her two tournament appearances since last month's triumph in New York.

"Yeah, I mean, I can definitely relate. After the US Open I probably shouldn't have played the entire rest of the season, because I was so exhausted," Stephens said.

Bertens makes dream debut

In the group's second match, German top seed Angelique Kerber suffered a shock 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat by Kiki Bertens, who confirmed her reputation as a conqueror of leading players.

The Dutchwoman only made it to Singapore when Romanian world number one Simona Halep withdrew through injury but she showed incredible grit and tenacity after falling a set and 2-0 down to fight back for her 11th win over a top-10 player this season.

Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands celebrates winning her group stage match against Germany's Angelique Kerber on October 22, 2018. /VCG Photo

"Honestly, beginning of the second was just like hopefully I can get a few more games. I was really like playing not good, stressing a little bit too much, thinking about playing bad,” she told reporters after her stunning 1-6 6-3 6-4 triumph.

“Then I had a chat with Raemon. He was, like... ‘try to play more aggressive, go for your shots'."

Bertens will conclude her Red Group round robin play against American Sloane Stephens and Naomi Osaka of Japan, and the Dutchwoman is hoping she can dictate terms a little better in those matches.

“Hopefully for the next match I can go out there, play a little bit more like how I want to play,” she added.

Source(s): Reuters