Hantuchova and Harrison Earn Opening Wins in Eastbourne

(June 18, 2012) -- One of the final warmup events before Wimbledon starts next week, the AEGON International at Eastbourne features a combined event featuring some of the biggest stars from both the ATP and WTA.

In opening round action on the women's side, No. 8 seed Daniela Hantuchova, who missed Roland Garros due to injury, made quick work of British No. 1 Anne Keothavong winning 6-2, 6-3. South Africa's Chanelle Scheepers ousted young German sensation Mona Barthel 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.

Tomorrow, the top four seeds all see action as Agnieszka Radwanska, Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki, and Marion Bartoli all take to the courts in their opening matches. Kvitova, who reached the finals at Eastbourne last year and used it to springboard her way to winning the Wimbledon trophy is looking forward to returning to the grass.

"I really like to play on grass," Kvitova told WTA.com. "It's very important to know you can win seven matches in a row in the biggest tournament and have a trophy at home. Winning match point and holding the trophy in my hands last year was probably my strongest memory there.

On the men's side, it was a day of mixed results for a pair of rising Americans. Donald Young continued his losing streak that stretches all the way back to February as he went out 6-1, 6-4 at the hands of No. 200 in the world Jamie Baker of Glasgow. Meanwhile, Ryan Harrison fought off a match point late in a final set tiebreak against Canada's Vasek Pospisil before Harrison grinded out a 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) win.

The only upset of the day belonged to Marcos Baghdatis, who upset No. 8 seed Pablo Andujar 6-1, 6-1.

Tomorrow, top seed Richard Gasquet will take to the courts against qualifier Marinko Matosevic while No. 6 seed Andy Roddick will battle fellow American Sam Querrey.