Tennis at circuit points resumed after a forced five-month break on Monday, and players at the Palermo Ladies Open had to take care of their own towels and not shake hands with their opponents.
Strict regulations due to coronavirus came with on-site showers, autographs or images with fans. The main single players come from 16 European countries and Argentina.
A limited number of enthusiasts were allowed to enter the 1,500-seat stadium court and had to take social estrangement measures.
They saw sixth seed Donna Vekio beat Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 6-1, 6-2 with wind in the first official attack, male or female, since early March.
“In fact, I’m pleased not to know how to play tennis, how to play matches, how to win,” Vekio said in a video conference. ‘It’s a big relief, so I’m really satisfied right now.
“It was a little strange. I was nervous yesterday, even more so today, but after the first few games I felt a little at ease and focused.
Vekio sealed a round point on his attack ball, breaking for the sixth time in the attack when Rus hit with a wide forehand.
She will face Italian teenager Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who beat Slovenian Polona Hercog 7-6 (1), 6-3 in her first win over a player in the top 50.
But beyond this week, Vekio has little concept of whether his plans can be replaced as the pandemic continues around the world.
Vekio hopes to compete at the U.S. Open, where he reached the quarter-finals last year, and at the French Open as in Rome.
“Things are replaced every week, so I think we have to take it week after week and review to adapt as productively as possible, and we hope to play as much as we can,” Veki said. “Uncertainty creates anxiety in each and every one.”
The U.S. Open It is scheduled to begin on August 31 and the French Open on September 27.
Laura Siegemund of Germany took over in two sets, beating Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania 6-3, 6-4.
Siegemund will face fourth seed Anett Kontaveit or Patricia Maria Oig.
It’s more complicated for Sara Errani, the only former winner of the draw. The 2012 winner took approximately 3 hours to win 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 over Sorana C’rstea of Romania.
The Italian next faces Kristýna Plíšková who upest third-seeded Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-4.
A third Italian also came the moment after Jasmine Paolini recovered after a set and a break to beat Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
In results: 5-7, 6-0, 6-1 and seventh seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova, Dayana Yastremska, triumphed 6-3, 6-4 over Sara Sores Tormo.
Players and anyone who contacts the players have been screened to detect COVID-19 before departing for Palermo, upon arrival, and then returning every 4 days.
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