By Adrianna Outlaw | Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monica Puig topped Francesca Schiavone, 6-4, 7-6 (4), while Ajla Tomljanovic upset Genie Bouchard, 7-6 (4), 6-1, in Acapulco.
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
Ajla Tomljanovic made an impressive return to the WTA Tour, while Monica Puig sent a Grand Slam champion packing in Acapulco.
Contesting her first Tour-level match in 13 months, Tomljanovic toppled sixth-seeded Genie Bouchard, 7-6 (4), 6-1, in her Acapulco opener.
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It was a deeply satisfying win for the 23-year-old Croatian, who earned her first victory since the Tokyo International in September, 2015.
Sidelined by shoulder surgery and her subsequent recovery, Tomljanovic said simply competing was a victory of sorts after all she’s endured in her comeback.
Tomljanovic converted six of 16 break points and hammered her returns winning 22 of 41 points played on the former Wimbledon finalist’s first serve.
“Honestly, for me it would have been a success to just be out there and not have pain," an emotional Tomljanovic told WTAtennis.com. "The expectations were so low—there was that balance of not expecting too much, but at the same time believing that I could produce a good level and eventually win.
"This victory is right up there with my most emotional ones. It's just been so long since I've played and it's been a tough run—I'm just so happy to win today."
The 46th-ranked Bouchard suffered her second opening-round exit in four tournaments this season.
Photo credit: Guillermo Sanchez
Playing with a protected ranking of No. 75, Tomljanovic will face Kirsten Flipkens for a place in the quarterfinals.
The fourth-seeded Puig delivered timely serving and baseline aggression dispatching 2010 Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone, 6-4, 7-6 (4) to reach the second round.
Puig slid an ace out wide to cap a love hold and force the second-set tie break.
The Olympic gold medal champion denied four of five break points in a one hour, 45-minute victory beating Schiavone for the second time in as many meetings.
Puig will face Daniela Hantuchova for a place in the quarterfinals.
Hantuchova rallied past Yanina Wickmayer, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.