By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday September 23, 2019
Two-time Wuhan champion Petra Kvitova is up and running a this year’s edition of the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open. The 2014 and 2016 champion was successful in her first match since the US Open as she defeated Polona Hercog 7-6(3) 6-3 to reach the round of 16.
Kvitova has played only two tournaments since Wimbledon due to the left forearm injury that has derailed a magnificent first half of the season for the Czech.
On Monday in China she was in solid form, saving the only two break points she faced and winning 30 of 40 first serve points.
Kvitova will face either Sloane Stephens or Wang Yafan in the round of 16.
The Czech has reached four finals already in 2019, and owns a record of 33-11.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also moved into the round of 16 on Mondy by blitzing American Danielle Collins 6-1 6-0 in 51 minutes.
Sabalenka, who has dropped just four games through two rounds in Wuhan, will face either Kiki Bertens or Bernarda Pera in the round of 16.
The Belarusian never faced a break point and converted four of ten opportunities to shellack the World No.33 for the second time in two career meetings.
Four seeds were sent packing on Monday in Wuhan, including No.11-seeded Angelique Kerber, who fell to Monica Puig 7-6(5) 5-7 6-1. No.13-seeded Caroline Wozniacki (Hsieh), No.14-seeded Anastasija Sevastova (McHale) and No.16-seeded Donna Vekic (Jabeur) also fell.
American Amanda Anisimova returned to the court for the first time since July with a 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory over Sam Stosur. Anisimova missed the US Open due to the sudden death of her father, Konstantin, who passed away suddenly just a few weeks prior to Anisimova’s 18th birthday.