Top seed Polina Kudermetova hits a return. — Supplied photo

The top two seeds experienced contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the singles main draw of the 27th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge, held at the Habtoor Grand Resort on Monday. Top-seeded Polina Kudermetova needed less than an hour to dispatch Swiss player Leonie Kung 6-2, 6-2, while second-seeded Arina Rodionova struggled against Britain’s Amarni Banks, falling 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in a match that lasted nearly two and a half hours.

“I am pleased with how things unfolded in this first pre-season tournament. I believe this will be perfect preparation for the upcoming season. The weather is ideal, and I will return to Dubai to continue my preparations for the Australian Open,” said Kudermetova.

“I felt confident on the court and gradually found my rhythm. I am looking forward to improving various aspects of my game as the week progresses,” she added.

Also advancing to the main draw were Japanese players Mei Yamaguchi and Kyoka Okamura. Yamaguchi took over two hours to defeat Daria Kudashova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, securing her spot in the main draw in her debut appearance here. Meanwhile, Okamura cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic in just 71 minutes.

Okamura’s first win in three encounters against Jakupovic boosted her confidence. “It’s a good win, and I’m eager to see how far I can go in the next round,” Okamura stated.

“Today, my inner strength and belief in my ability to win were key. With two Japanese players advancing, we have even more motivation to stay focused and keep winning,” she added.

Yamaguchi was relieved to overcome a challenging opponent and qualify for the main draw. “Kudashova is a tough competitor, but I’m glad I managed to prevail. She played exceptionally well in the second set, but I found the strength to come through,” said the 25-year-old from Saitama.

“This is my first time here, and my goal is to lift the crystal trophy next Sunday. That’s why I came,” she said with a smile.

Day Two action will resume at 10 am on Tuesday, with the 2022 US Junior Open Champion Alexandra Eala from the Philippines set to face qualifier Rada Zolotareva on Court 1.

RESULTS: (Day One at the 27th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge at the Habtoor Grand Resort, on Monday) Qualifying: Freya Christie bt Ekaterina Yashina 3-6, 6-3, 6-3; Sofia Costoulas bt Anastasia Zolotareva 6-2, 6-1; Tara Wurth bt Danika Kovinic 6-1, 6-1; Amandine Hesse bt Caroline Werner 6-2, 5-7, 6-2; Mei Yamaguchi bt Daria Kudashova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4; Rada Zolotareva bt Ekaterina Reyngold 6-1, 7-6; Evialina Laskevich bt Zhibek Kulambayeva 7-5, 6-7, 6-1; Viktoria Morvayova bt Ekaterina Shalimova 7-5, 6-0. Main Draw: Polina Kudermetova bt Leonie Kung 6-2, 6-2; Kyoka Okamura bt Dalila Jakupovic 6-3, 6-2; Amarni Banks bt Arina Rodionova 3-6, 7-5, 6-3; Viktoria Hruncakova bt Alina Charaeva 0-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2); Yuliya Hatouka bt Ye Xin Ma 6-1, 7-5.

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