Defending Champion Sevastova Exits; Gajdosova, Zakopalova Win Openers

© JLSDefending champion Anastasija Sevastova fell at the first hurdle.

Second seed Jarmila Gajdosova overcame a slow start to beat World No. 95 Renata Voracova 6-4, 6-0 on Tuesday at the Estoril Open.

Gajdosova, who trailed 1-3 in the first set, recorded her third straight win over Voracova in 80 minutes. The Australian hit eight aces, dropping 18 points on serve for her 19th tour-level win this season. She will next meet compatriot Casey Dellacqua in the second round.

Third seed Klara Zakopalova converted five of eight break point opportunities to beat Spanish qualifier Beatriz Garcia Vidagany 6-4, 7-6(3) in just over 90 minutes.

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Fourth seed and defending champion Anastasija Sevastova fell at the first hurdle. The Latvian fought valiantly, but lost to Pole Urszula Radwanska 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-1 in two hours and 34 minutes. Sevastova is now 7-6 on the season.

Former champion and eighth-seeded Hungarian Greta Arn was made to work for a second round berth on a hot day. Portuguese wild card Maria Joao Koehler, only 18, battled on Court Central before losing to Arn 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in just under two hours. Arn, the 2007 titlist (d. Azarenka), extended her perfect record to 6-0 at the WTA International clay-court tournament. She is 10-5 overall on the year.

Qualifier Sloane Stephens won just her fourth WTA main draw singles match and second on clay-court when she beat fellow American Melanie Oudin 6-2, 6-1 in 66 minutes. She will next challenge Monica Niculescu.

Kristina Barrois, still hunting for her first WTA title at 29 years of age, proved to be too strong for Swede Sofia Arvidsson, recording a 6-3, 6-1 win in 62 minutes. Barrois converted five of nine break point opportunities.