Stephens and Bertens stun Osaka and Kerber in Singapore

The American and the Dutch had a great start of their Singapore campaign

Stephens

Weird stuff in Singapore since all the “lower seeded players” have upset their opponents in the first 4 matches of the finals.

Stephens

Sloane was struggling with her results before Singapore after she lost 5 of her previous 7 matches. However, the American came out with a great performance in her opening match in the Finals to beat Naomi Osaka in 7-5 4-6 6-1. The Japanese didn’t look at her best also because Sloane was playing a fantastic tennis, especially when defending and Naomi was also committing many errors particularly on her forehand.

Bertens

Kiki got to the Finals after Simona Halep at to withdraw. However, the Dutchwoman did want to play the role of the outsider and she impressed also to beat the top seed and world no.2 Angelique Kerber 1-6 6-3 6-4.

After the match, Kiki commented

“Honestly, beginning of the second, I was just like hopefully I can get a few more games. I was really like playing not good, stressing a little bit too much, thinking about playing bad.

Then I had a chat with Raemon. Our tactics were not like really working at that moment. He was, like, ‘Okay, then just try to turn this around, try to play more aggressive, go for your shots, and then we see.’ That went a little better from there on.”

After Monday, Stephens is leading the Red Group followed by Bertens, Kerber and Osaka.

HAPPY

Embed from Getty Images