Bertens happy with form after winning thriller

Kiki Bertens started the Libéma Open tournament with a hard-won victory against Natalia Vikhlyantseva (WTA-85), the losing finalist of last year. Afterwards Bertens said she was positively surprised about her play.

‘Playing on grass remains difficult for me, but I am very happy with my level of play today. It was relatively steady. I noticed that I keep improving on grass. Compared to last year, I move better, I feel much fitter and I reach more balls. That makes it all more easy.’

However, she has not yet reached a goal, set by her coach Raemon Sluiter, in her first match on the Brabant grass. ‘I was given the assignment to play service volley three times and I think I only did that once. I have to play more offensive.’

Bertens awaits a special second round in Rosmalen. She is playing against Kirsten Flipkens with whom she plays in the doubles tournament on Wednesday. ‘This can happen. We are looking forward to play the doubles and I expect a nice singles match on Thursday. She plays very well on grass.’