Washington: Top-seeded Angelique Kerber cruised past Irina Falconi 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Citi Open on Tuesday. With No. 15-ranked Sloane Stephens' loss on Monday, No. 9-ranked Kerber is 17 spots higher than any player remaining in the tournament. The German will face the winner of Melanie Oudin and Anastasia Rodionova in the next round.
On the men's side, Australia's Bernard Tomic downed David Goffin of Belgium, 6-1, 6-3 in the second round, while Somdev Devvarman beat Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 7-6 (4) and Grigor Dimitrov outlasted Xavier Malisse 7-6 (4), 6-4.
In the first round, world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt suffered an upset 6-3, 7-5 to America's Ryan Harrison, sixth-seeded Sam Querrey beat Denis Istomin 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (9) and No. 94-ranked Jack Sock played well to beat 59-ranked Igor Sijsling 6-4, 6-2.
Kerber was granted a wild card into the Citi Open and Falconi was a qualifier. On the advice of her coach, Kerber headed straight to the practice court for a 20-minute session. "I think it was a good idea," said Kerber, who hasn't played a tournament since Wimbledon last month.
Wild card Taylor Townsed lost to Monica Niculescu 6-3, 6-0, while No. 4-seeded Alize Cornet downed Yanina Wickmayer 6-1, 6-3 and sixth-seeded Mona Barthel cruised past Stefanie Voegele 6-2, 6-2.
No. 5-seeded Sorana Cirstea advanced when Lesia Tsurenko retired while trailing 7-5, 1-1 and Madison Keys beat Michelle Larcher de Brito 7-5, 6-3.
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