Kvitova Beats In-form Sabalenka in Sydney

Sydney, Jan 8 (AFP) Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova avenged her US Open defeat to in-form Aryna Sabalenka Tuesday to move into round two of the Sydney International.

But less than a week before the Australian Open -- the season's first Grand Slam -- there was more misery for 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, who crashed out early to Australia's Ash Barty.

Kvitova, who slumped to 29 in the world after being attacked in her home by a knife-wielding man in 2016, has battled her way back to number eight and was encouraged by her 6-1, 7-5 win over the Belarusian.

Sabalenka is a form player, racing to number 11 in the world after a stellar 2018 and starting the year by winning the Shenzhen Open.

"She was definitely (finishing strongly). She came from Shenzhen (last week) where she won the tournament so I knew it would be a tough match," said Kvitova.

"Unfortunately I lost (to her) at the US Open but I'm happy with my performance here in the first round.

"It's always tough to play her, she's a big server, big hitter. So I'm really happy that I was able to win it." Kvitova belted 28 winners to Sabalenka's 11 and won an incredible 85 percent of her first-serve points during the 79-minute contest.

She is aiming for her second Sydney title after lifting the trophy in 2015.

"I just hope that I can continue and enjoy tennis in this season," said the Czech, who won five WTA titles to return to the top 10 in 2018.

"It's great coming somewhere where you really love, of course, when you win a title it's something very special in your heart." There was no such joy for Romania's Ostapenko, whose poor form continued in a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Barty.

After picking up a thigh injury at the Hopman Cup, Garbine Muguruza -- another major winner -- safely negotiated her first-round encounter with fellow Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-3 6-4.

Last year Muguruza was the top seed and world No.2, but 12 months on she is unseeded and down to 18.

"It was especially tough because Carla and I, we are friends, and it's very difficult to play against each other," said the former Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion.

"But, hey, it's competition, so we have to put poker face and try to win." In the men's draw Australian teenager Alex De Minaur, a finalist last year, continued his preparations for the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-3 win over Dusan Lajovic.

Towering Americans Sam Querrey and Reilly Opelka are also through to the next round. AFP BS

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