On a day affected by rain and thunderstorms, our photographer Jimmie48 captured exciting first-round action at the Sydney International, highlighted by Angelique Kerber‘s thrilling 6-7(3) 7-6(8) 6-2 victory over Lucie Safarova, in which the German saved two match points.
Sloane Stephens‘ first match in NikeCourt attire, in particular the Nike Winter Premier Slam Tank and Nike Winter Power Spin Skirt/Nike Spring Pure Flouncy Skirt, wasn’t a success, as the 2017 US Open champion lost to qualifier Camila Giorgi 6-3 6-0 in singles and partnered with fellow reigning Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko the American lost her first-round doubles match as well.
Petra Kvitova, sporting the same kit as Sloane, made the second round when Mirjana Lucic-Baroni retired due to illness after the first set. Kiki Bertens advanced to the second round with a 6-2 6-4 win over qualifier Kristie Ahn, Dominika Cibulkova, wearing a new navy Lacoste dress, took out eighth seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-1, and Catherine Bellis upset Magdalena Rybarikova 7-6(2) 6-0.
We also have photos of Daria Gavrilova hitting with kids and Agnieszka Radwanska signing autographs.
Stay with us tomorrow, as Sydney hosts a rematch of last year’s final in the first round, Johanna Konta vs. Agnieszka Radwanska, and a thrilling encounter between Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber.
MORE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL 2018 PHOTOS:
