Indian Wells, March 7: Victoria Azarenka set up a second-round showdown against Serena Williams after a straight-sets win at the Indian Wells Open on Wednesday.
Azarenka eased past fellow Belarusian Vera Lapko in the opening round, setting up a meeting with Williams in a repeat of the 2016 final.
Johanna Konta also came through the first round comfortably, while the in-form Sofia Kenin got a measure of revenge.
Meanwhile, Lauren Davis set up a second-round meeting with Garbine Muguruza at the WTA Premier event.
AZARENKA FINDING TOUCH
Azarenka reached the quarter-finals in Acapulco and the former world number one has enjoyed playing at Indian Wells.
A two-time champion of the event, Azarenka had no problems in a 6-2 6-3 victory over Lapko.
It set up a mouth-watering clash against Williams, who has dominated their head-to-head – leading 17-4 – but lost their last encounter – at Indian Wells three years ago.
.@vika7 advances to the @BNPPARIBASOPEN second round!
Defeats countrywoman Lapko, 6-2, 6-3! pic.twitter.com/BxDD1su5Q4
— WTA (@WTA) March 7, 2019
KONTA CRUISES PAST PARMENTIER
Another quarter-finalist in Acapulco, Konta brushed past Parmentier 6-2 6-3 in just under 90 minutes.
The Brit had won the pair's past three meetings and she got through again, although only after saving 10 of 11 break points.
Konta will next face 27th seed Hsieh Su-wei.
.@JohannaKonta is through to the second round of the @BNPPARIBASOPEN!
Defeats Parmentier 6-2, 6-3 pic.twitter.com/VA3lGAT7KG
— WTA (@WTA) March 6, 2019
YOUNG AMERICANS GET THE JOB DONE
Kenin lost the final at the Mexican Open to Wang Yafan, and the duo met again at Indian Wells.
This time, the 20-year-old American battled through 1-6 7-5 6-4 after more than two and a half hours, and a clash against Elina Svitolina awaits.
.@SonyaKenin avenges her @AbiertoTelcel final defeat a few days ago to Yafan!
Comes from behind to win 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 to move into the @BNPPARIBASOPEN second round! pic.twitter.com/bClAKliQOw
— WTA (@WTA) March 7, 2019
Davis, a wildcard, overcame Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 and will next face Muguruza.
There were also wins for Daria Gavrilova, Tatjana Maria and Barbora Strycova.
Find the best IPL odds at 10Cric! Bet on all matches directly from your mobile phone.
Play casino in India at 7Jackpots, and enjoy real money games with fast and secure withdrawal options.