Peng Shuai loses out to Coco Vandeweghe in Zhuhai

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Chinese wild card entry Peng Shuai has lost in the first round of WTA Elite Trophy tournament to second-seed CoCo Vandeweghe 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The Chinese got off to a great start with a 3-0 lead, and the world number 27 continued that momentum to take the opener 6-3 with a backhand. But the American came back strong, recovering to finish with six aces and convert five of her eight breakpoint chances against Peng in the Bougainvillea group.

Chinese Peng Shua in action / VCG Photo

“I think I performed well in the beginning, but Vandeweghe would dictate the play in the second and third set. I have to be stronger in order to face powerful opponents like her.” the Chinese said.

This event in southern China is for the top 11 money earners, plus one wildcard, that did not qualify for last week's WTA finals. The women are divided into four groups for a round robin, with the winner of each progressing to the semi-finals.

Coco Vandeweghe of the USA (R) shakes hand with Peng Shuai of China (R) after winning her first round match during the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai 2017. / VCG Photo

The loss however didn’t affect Peng’s chance to semis, but the hectic schedule in the China season makes the Chinese top female player feel a little bit exhausted. “I started from the Guangzhou Open, then to Wuhan Open, China Open, Tianjin Open and here. I am so tired that sometimes I even have hallucinations,” Peng said.

Peng’s next opponent is Elina Vesnina, whom she beat five times out of nine encounters.

1987km