Several top players were spotted preparing for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix on Saturday, while the day was primarily marked by the start of qualifying action. Let’s go through some photos that Jimmie48 took in Stuttgart today.
![Angelique Kerber](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Angelique_Kerber_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_9871_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
Germany’s Angelique Kerber is back at the tournament she won in 2015 and 2016. On Saturday, she was practicing with her coach Torben Beltz.
![Angelique Kerber](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Angelique_Kerber_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-Z66_7073_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
The three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber was also busy signing autographs.
![Jennifer Brady](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Jennifer_Brady_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_0272_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady took the court with her coach Michael Geserer.
![Julia Goerges](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Julia_Goerges_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-Z66_7007_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
Exactly ten years after lifting the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix champion’s trophy, Julia Goerges visited the tournament as a retired player.
![Belinda Bencic and Julia Goerges](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Belinda_Bencic_Julia_Goerges_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-Z66_6971_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
The 2011 Stuttgart champion chatted with Belinda Bencic and they took selfies together.
![Petra Kvitova](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Petra_Kvitova_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-Z66_6753_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
Petra Kvitova took a behind-the-scenes tour of the event.
![Andrea Petkovic](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Andrea_Petkovic_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-Z66_7280_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
Andrea Petkovic was all smiles posing for our photographer in the selfie box.
![Noma Noha Akugue](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Porsche_Taycan_Turbo_S_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_0187_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
When it comes to qualifying action, world No.787 Noma Noha Akugue of Germany eliminated top seed and recent St. Petersburg finalist Margarita Gasparyan 6-3 6-4 in the first round.
![Mona Barthel](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mona_Barthel_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_9938_xgaplus_v2.jpg)
Seventh qualifying seed Mona Barthel of Germany defeated Italian Martina Caregaro 6-1 6-4.
![Bethanie Mattek-Sands](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Bethanie_Mattek-Sands_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_0042_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who won the Stuttgart doubles title twice, was defeated by second seed Varvara Gracheva of Russia 6-2 7-5.
![Stefanie Voegele](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Stefanie_Voegele_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_0338_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
Fifth seed Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland advanced with a 6-1 6-3 victory over German Anna Zaja.
![Alexandra Vecic](https://womenstennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Alexandra_Vecic_-_2021_Porsche_Tennis_Grand_Prix_Qualifications_Day_1_-DSC_9644_xgaplus_v1.jpg)
I like this flying ponytail photo of Germany’s Alexandra Vecic. She lost to sixth-seeded compatriot Tamara Korpatsch 2-6 6-4 6-2.
Check back to Women’s Tennis Blog in the coming days, as we’ll continue to post updates from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.