Second seed Ana Ivanovic launched the Garanti Koza WTA Tournament of Champions in Sofia by beating fellow wildcard and home star Tsvetana Pironkova.
The winner of the Tournament of Champions in 2010 and 2011 Ivanovic opened her 2013 campaign by taking the first set in just 22 minutes and even though the eighth-seeded Bulgarian managed to scrap one break in the second set, the Serb won 6-0 6-2, scoring twice more points than her opponent, 52 to 24.
In the second match on Tuesday, third seed Maria Kirilenko retired after 27 minutes of her encounter with seventh-seeded Alize Cornet, due to a left knee injury, and subsequently withdrew from the entire tournament.
In the last match of the day, top seed Simona Halep posted a 6-3 6-3 victory over Anastasia Pavlychenkova.
Last year’s champion in Sofia was Nadia Petrova and the runner-up was Caroline Wozniacki. None of them have qualified this year. The tournament features eight players, divided into two groups (Serdika and Sredets) – six players who have captured at least one International event during the year and who are not participating in singles at the WTA Championships, plus two wildcards. (photo: JJ Tennis)
Fascinating to see Ana actually smiling in the midst of some tough rallies. Way to go, all the way!
P.S. I could not help but feeling sorry, now and then, for Tsveti, though, and I hereby solemnly promise to root for her in all of her ensuing encounters. Haugh.