Hogenkamp cannot meet Van Uytvanck

Richel Hogenkamp was unable to pull off a stunt in the first round of the Libéma Open. The wildcard player was defeated 6-1 6-2 by sixth seed Alison van Uytvanck.

Hogenkamp and Van Uytvanck had the honour to play the tournament’s first centre court match. The offensive playing Belgian was a size too big for the home player, who survived the first round in the two previous editions of the Libéma Open.

‘In the beginning it was close and after the first set – despite the result – I still had the feeling that I was doing well. She wanted to take over every time I hit a short ball. She stepped in and that is very important on grass,” according to a disappointed Hogenkamp.

‘She played very well, with a strong service and speed. Her ball stays very low. You can hardly hit back. Additionally she tackles your second service very well.”

The 24-year-old Van Uytvanck, winner of two WTA titles, will meet the winner of the match between qualifier Marina Melnikova and Slovakian Viktoria Kuzmova.

The first match day has more Dutch players. Among them Robin Haase and Arantxa Rus in the singles tournament.