Seeing her dominate this start to the first set, we first thought that the Italian was heading quietly into the second round against Caroline Garcia without getting too exhausted. But Elisabetta Cocciaretto (22, 30th in the world) completely collapsed. With two breaks ahead, 5-2 on the scoreboard before her service, she no longer put one foot in front of the other on Monday. Opposite, Sloane Stephens (38th WTA) did him no favors, going back in the first set with two shutouts to win 7-5, before finishing the job in the second set 6-2.
Garcia (6th in the world) has already faced the American six times, with four victories in her favor. One of them had taken place in Cincinnati, moreover, during the first round in 2021. The Frenchwoman will have to reiterate to hope to defend her title and keep her points in the WTA rankings.
