Angelique Kerber had a quicker first round match than she thought she would at the U.S. Open Monday. The world number two watched as Polona Hercog retired from play ending the match at 6-0, 1-0 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The rivalry between the two rekinled for the first time in five years as the two Europeans got into it with Kerber leading with the series lead. Though Hercog got the last laugh, she knew the progression of her opponent has been one of complete success. The Australian Open champion, Wimbledon finalist, and Olympic Silver medalist at Rio had plenty rolling her way to mow anyone down.
She showed her strength quickly taking a run through the first three games in lightning speed. By the time 15 minutes had elapsed, Kerber had a 5-0 rout of Hercog looking to put a quick end to the set. The sixth took longer as Hercog gave it her all despite feeling under the weather coming into the match. She had another meeting with the trainer before playing in the sixth where she didn’t have what it took to get over Kerber’s strength. She served up a point win but in the end lost the set earning the bagel that gave the German the victory in 27 minutes.
Hercog made it clear of issues with her health trying to stay in the competition as long as she could. After Kerber took a seventh straight victory to start the second set, Hercog made the call to end the match and retire from action. It was a win for Kerber she wished could have progressed but the health of her opponent was a more weighing factor. The match lasted just 33 minutes in what was an easy pass to the second round where she’ll play the winner between Alize Cornet and Mirjana Lucic-Baroni on Wednesday.
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