Monterrey (Mexico), Apr 3 (IANS): Ukraine's third-seed Lesia Tsurenko defeated Japan's Nao Hibino in three sets in the opening round of the Monterrey Open in Mexico.
Tsurenko, who is ranked number 40 in the world by the WTA, fought back from a set down to overcome Hibino 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4 and progress to the second round of the tournament on Monday, reports Efe.
Hibino, ranked world number 47, broke her rival early to go 2-1 up, but Tsurenko soon levelled at 2-2, after which the set progressed on a level footing for both players until the tie break, which the Japanese won 7-2.
The Ukrainian fought back in the second set, and prevailed 6-4, 6-4 in the final two sets to win the match.
In the second round, Tsurenko will face the winner of the match between Colombia's Mariana Duque and Danielle Collins of the United States.