Everything was set for a stunning day of first-round tennis at the ASB Classic in Auckland on Monday, but the elements were once again not in agreement.
After the 2016 season plagued by bad weather, 2017 was not off to a good start in Auckland on Monday, as light but extremely persistent drizzles forced play to be stopped from the early afternoon into the late evening hours, delaying Serena Williams’ comeback to the courts.
Despite the tournament’s best efforts to prepare the courts for the event’s marquee player, play was ultimately unable to resume, forcing the world #2 to postpone her first match since the US Open to Tuesday.
Before the rain came, several matches did complete. Jamie Loeb and Barbora Stefkova managed to punch their tickets for the tournament’s main draw by winning their qualifying finals. Mona Barthel joined shortly afterwards with an impressive straight-set win over Dalia Jakupovic.
Among lucky players who managed to complete their first-round match before the rain came was Lucie Safarova, with a quick win over fellow Czech Denisa Allertova. Also through to the second round is Kurumi Nara, who swept past German wildcard Antonia Lottner in straight sets.
Tuesday at the ASB Classic will be even more packed than usual as lots of matches have been carried over from Monday, making for a packed schedule at the second day of main-draw play. Keep checking back to Women’s Tennis Blog for all the latest from Auckland!
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 ASB CLASSIC:
- Sunday: Serena and Venus Williams’ exhibition with Marina Erakovic and Caroline Wozniacki
- Saturday: The 2017 officially begins with Auckland’s qualifying action
Hey Jimmie if you happen to see Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko taking in some of the tennis, be sure and get some good pictures!
It’s very surprising that it’s raining in Auckland. This time the last few seasons, I remember there were no rain delays. Naomi Osaka is very adorable. I think she’ll be one of the next tennis darlings.