I wasn’t sure if I was ready to jump back into the whirlwind of tennis yet but the draw for Toronto has me hooked with so many exciting first round matches. I just hope the tournament delivers with the promise of this draw. Day 1 was a good start! I’m super busy at work right now so will see how this week of blogging goes. Read on for the highlights of Monday’s action at the 2019 Rogers Cup.
Match reviews 🎾
Dayana Yastremska d. Johanna Konta, 6-3 6-2
I got home in time to catch the second set of the opener on Toronto’s Centre Court where Dayana Yastremska overpowered Johanna Konta. Yastremska turned the tables on a recent straight sets loss to Konta in Eastbourne. While technically an upset with Konta being the number 13 seed, I don’t think this was result was a surprise based on Yastremska’s pedigree. Yastremska’s return was once again lethal as she generally rushed a rhythmless Konta into errors. Not a concerning loss for Konta, in my opinion. I’d take all the results this week with a pinch of salt as many players are in action for the first time since Wimbledon.
Belinda Bencic d. Anastasia Potapova, 6-2 6-1
In her first appearance in Toronto since winning the title back in 2015, Belinda Bencic played a great opener to cruise past an erratic, Anastasia Potapova in just 63 minutes. Bencic served well and committed very few unforced errors in what was a very stable performance. While an off day for Potapova, she is fast becoming a player that I seek out on a schedule. I like her game and fighting spirit on court. Bencic through to round two and I think she’s one to watch this week.
Sofia Kenin d. Hsieh Su-Wei, 6-4 6-3
Rallying from 1-4 down in the first set, Sofia Kenin won in straight sets against a poor-serving, Hsieh Su-Wei. Hsieh hit eight double faults including three in her final service game and one on match point. I thought Kenin played a good match as she dictated Hsieh for the most part. Kenin hit with great depth, moved the ball with conviction from side-to-side, and wasn’t afraid to step into the court and finish points up at the net.
I find Kenin’s service motion rather mesmerising. She’s looking down and then suddenly lifts her head as she throws up the ball! Apart from her mentality, I didn’t really rate Kenin’s game last year. I’ve definitely changed my mind during the course of the 2019 season. Kenin does everything well and can really pack a punch with her groundstrokes.
While I was sleeping… 😴
There was a lot going on!
Anett Kontaveit rallied from a set and a break down to beat Maria Sharapova, 4-6 6-3 6-4. Sounded like a great match with a titanic game at 4-4 in the decider where Kontaveit saved multiple game points.
Daria Kasatkina scored her best win of the year, a first top 15 win of 2019, overcoming a first set bagel to beat the number 12 seed, Angelique Kerber, 0-6 6-2 6-4.
Francesco Di Lorenzo beat Petra Martic in straight sets, 6-4 7-5. Most surprising result of Monday’s action in Toronto IMO.
Point of the day 👏
Fun point in Sharapova-Kontaveit. Looking forward to watching this one back.
Handshakes and hugs 🤗
Bencic and Potapova with a nice moment at the net.
Favourite snap 📸
Love this shot of Dasha by Jared Wickerham shared on the Rogers Cup Twitter page.
Recommended media 📺
A nice interview with Belinda Bencic shared on the Rogers Cup social media pages. Belinda was able to reel off all the players she beat on the way to the title in 2015. And omg I forgot how impressive that run was!
Recommended listening 🎧
Enjoyed the latest Tennis with an Accent podcast with Karen from Tennis News Panorama with hints and tips for visiting the US Open.
Recommended reading 📚
Following on from the TWAA podcast, here’s my guide from visiting the US Open three years ago.
Tomorrow’s OOP ⭐
The all-Canadian clash between Bianca Andreescu and Eugenie Bouchard headlines Tuesday’s night session. From the first round matches, I am looking forward to Madison Keys vs. Donna Vekic and Victoria Azarenka vs. Camila Giorgi. Ash Barty, Kiki Bertens and Sloane Stephens will all begin their campaigns on Tuesday in the first of the second round matches.
Moo's Tennis Blog 
The Sharapova/Kontaveit match was a fairly standard Sharapova performance, plenty of huge forehand shots but far too erratic. Kontaveit showed plenty of fight and skill to come back from a tricky start. Kontaveit really kept Sharapova stretched which reduced Sharapova’s ability to hit big winners.
Kerber/Kasatkina was full of gruelling rallies as you might expect from two defensive minded players. Kerber was scored with 16 winners and 37 unforced errors in the last two sets combined.
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Thanks for the info, Vince! Sounded like an exciting night session.
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