Tennis News: Wozniacki and Anisimova Secure Victories, Volynets Wins Longest Match of 2024 in Charleston
Former world No.1 and 2018 Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki returned to the Charleston Open with a dominant victory over American lucky loser McCartney Kessler. Wozniacki won 6-0, 6-1 in just 61 minutes, marking her first win on clay courts since 2019.
Wozniacki, a three-time finalist in Charleston, took a break from tennis in early 2020 before returning in mid-2023. In the next round, she will face No.15 seed Anhelina Kalinina, seeking redemption after losing to Kalinina at the same stage in Miami.
Another American, Amanda Anisimova, advanced to the second round by defeating Alize Cornet in straight sets. Anisimova, a former Charleston semifinalist, will now face No.1 seed Jessica Pegula in an exciting matchup.
In a marathon match, American qualifier Katie Volynets pulled off a thrilling victory over Arantxa Rus in 3 hours and 43 minutes, making it the longest WTA tour match of the season. Volynets will now take on fellow American Emma Navarro in the second round.
Local favorite Shelby Rogers started her Charleston Open campaign with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 win over Claire Liu. Other notable winners on Monday included Magda Linette, Daria Saville, and the doubles team of Madison Keys and Taylor Townsend, who upset the No.3 seeds.
