(Ilkley) Canadians Rebecca Marino and Marina Stakusic made their debut at the women’s tennis tournament in Ilkley, Great Britain, on Tuesday morning. But it wasn’t easy for everyone.
Marino, who is ranked 144th in the world, came from behind to beat American McCartney Kessler 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 after an hour and 49 minutes of play in this tournament of the ITF presented on the lawn.
For her part, Stakusic, who ranks 179th in the world, was much more expeditious, getting rid of Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa 6-1, 6-3 in just 63 minutes.
Marino was slightly more efficient than Kessler, ranked 122 in the world, on serve, and was able to convert four of her eight break points. Kessler was not to be outdone, as she broke the Canadian twice on as many occasions.
The British Columbian will face in the next round the winner of the match between Slovak Renata Jamrichova, a left-hander who is ranked 556th in the world, and Britain’s Ranah Akua Stoiber, 678th.
For her part, Stakusic will meet in the next round with Australian Taylah Preston, sixth seed, who worked hard before ousting American Elizabeth Mandlik 4-6, 7-5 and 6-1.
On the men’s side, Montrealer Gabriel Diallo is scheduled to begin his tournament in Ilkley a little later today, against Frenchman Titouan Droguet.
