Intro
Samsonova rallied after losing the opener, defeating Keys 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 while handling her powerful serve effectively
WASHINGTON
Former Mubadala DC Open champion Liudmila Samsonova made a winning return to Washington by defeating sixth-seeded Madison Keys in the opening round.
The Russian tennis player fought back after losing the first set and completed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. Samsonova handled Keys’ powerful serve well, overcoming 10 aces by winning most of her first-serve points. Her performance showed confidence and control as she began her campaign at the tournament where she previously lifted the title in 2022. Other seeded players also enjoyed successful starts, with Emma Navarro defeating Sofia Kenin 6-3, 7-5 and Leylah Fernandez beating Magda Linette 6-1, 6-4.
In other WTA action, Katie Volynets produced a major upset at the Memphis Classic by defeating third-seeded Viktorija Golubic in a close three-set match. Volynets won 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 after recovering from a difficult start in the final set. Golubic struggled with eight double faults during the contest, which affected her chances of victory.
Fifth-seeded Camila Osorio also advanced after defeating Australian qualifier Storm Hunter in straight sets. Several other players, including Maya Joint, Anastasia Zakharova, Tatiana Prozorova, Tatjana Maria, Iryna Shymanovich, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Janice Tjen, recorded opening-round wins. The tournaments continue with players aiming to build momentum and secure deeper runs.
