WTA Finals: Angelique Kerber beats an ill Petra Kvitova in first round

Singapore: Heavy-hitting baseliner Angelique Kerber brushed aside an error-strewn and unwell Petra Kvitova 6-2 7-6 (3) to make a winning start to her WTA Finals campaign on Monday (October 26).

After Garbine Muguruza defeated Lucie Safarova earlier, the day`s second singles lacked the same quality with twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova all at sea, offering up 44 unforced errors.

A lethargic Kvitova, diagnosed with mononucleosis in August, rallied at the start of the second set to go 3-0 up, only to lose the momentum as world number seven Kerber raced 5-4 ahead with a booming forehand down the line.

The German showed nerves as she faltered and lost her serve when attempting to close out the match but Kvitova wasted set points at 6-5 as Kerber forced a tiebreak.

A wild service return then handed Kerber a winning start to the eight-player championships.