Ivanovic, Kvitova join Wuhan top-seed exodus

Venus Williams became only the ninth female player in tennis history to chalk up 700 career wins when she beat Julia Goerges at the Wuhan Open.

Despite losing twice to Serena in the last two months, Venus appears to be in great form as she has now qualified for the next round of the Chinese competition.

Vinci admitted afterwards: “Against Petra it’s always tough to play-she’s an incredible player, she won past year here”.

“This 250 series tournament has plenty of good players, but I am confident of my game and hope to win it”, added the world No 26, who plays Benjamin Becker of Germany in the next round. The Serbian former world number one won the first set but it was one-way traffic thereafter as Muguruza suddenly rediscovered her mojo and romped home 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.

Williams, a seven-time major champion, improved to 3-3 against Navarro and will next face either top-seeded Simona Halep or Johanna Konta.

Sixth seed Jeremy Chardy defeated young German star Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

“I think she’s playing with a lot of confidence right now after such a big win against Serena (Williams), playing the (US Open) final”, Kvitova said of Vinci, who returned to the top 20 after her performance at Flushing Meadows. I was a little bit disappointed.

Roberta Vinci of Italy returns a ball during the third round match against Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic at 2015 WTA Wuhan Open Tennis Tournament in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, on September 30, 2015. Anna Karolina stunned Caroline Wozniacki 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(6) while Belinda Bencic retired hurt with a leg injury against Camila Giorgi.

“I’m feeling humbled and blessed I get to come back (on Thursday) and compete again”, Konta said in her on-court interview televised by BT Sport 1.