Un-seeded YONEX player, Maria Kirilenko (EZONE Ai 98, POLYTOUR PRO 125), defeated last year’s quarterfinalist and No. 18 seed Sloane Stephens. Sloane has made it to the second week of six Grand Slams in a row, but former world No.10 Maria—who just recovered from a recent injury—proved that she’s back and better than ever. Maria played a bold game, confidently returning the powerful balls her opponent hit towards her, and refusing to be dominated on the court. Maria took the match in straight sets, 6-2 7-6 (6). Maria plays Shuai Peng of China in round two.
YONEX player Coco Vandeweghe (EZONE Ai 98) also enacted another upset, taking down No. 27 seed, Spanish player Garbine Muguruza. When Coco defeated Garbine at the Topshelf Open in the Netherlands last week, there was no doubt that Garbine would return fired up after the loss. As expected, the match was close, but Coco gave it her all, hitting 47 winners and 15 aces against her difficult opponent, coming out victorious. The match ended, 6-3 3-6 7-5. Coco has improved her performance on grass courts, winning her first WTA title on grass at the Topshelf Open. She will face the Czech Republic’s Tereza Smitkova in round two.
On June 20, YONEX held a tennis clinic at The Wimbledon Club. YONEX players Lleyton Hewitt (VCORE Tour 97, YONEX Shoes), Belinda Bencic (EZONE Ai 100, POLYTOUR HS 125) and Donna Vekic (VCORE Xi 100) participated, practicing with kids, and pairing up with them to play doubles matches. Players also answered questions, signed autographs, and took pictures with fans. The event was a big success, with 250 participants in attendance.
Matches to look forward to on day two include No. 19 seed and 2013 finalist Sabine Lisicki (VCORE Tour 97, POLYTOUR SPIN) against Julia Glushko (EZONE Ai 100, POLYTOUR SPIN). Sabine has a great record at Wimbledon, and is a force to be reckoned with on grass, making her performance in this tournament something to look forward to. Stan Wawrinka (VCORE Tour G, SHT-PRO) faces Joao Sousa, and Ana Ivanovic (EZONE Ai 98) will challenge Francesca Schiavone.
Wimbledon 2014
Women’s Singles [Round 1]
Maria Kirilenko (EZONE Ai 98, POLYTOUR PRO 125)(RUS) def. [18]Sloane Stephens (USA) 6-2 7-6 (6)
Coco Vandeweghe (EZONE Ai 98)(USA) def. [27]Garbine Muguruza (ESP) 6-3 3-6 7-5
[22]Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) def. Kimiko Date-Krumm (S-FIT, POLYTOUR SPIN)(JPN) 3-6 6-4 7-5
*Photo of Coco from Wimbledon 2012
*Photo of Maria from Wimbledon 2013