Tammy makes strong start to title defence

Tamarine, who outlasted Kimiko Date Krumm in last year’s final, upset eighth seed Christina McHale 6-3 7-5 in two hours in the first round. Noppawan took two hours and 23 minutes to beat Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 6-4 in qualifying to get a berth in the main draw where she will take on Australian top seed Stosur.
“She played well, hitting every ball back. I had to be very patient and wait for the right moment,’’ said Tamarine who squandered a 4-2 lead in the second set before managing a crucial break in the 12th game to seal her win.
“At the end I got a bit dizzy as it was very hot. I was lucky to pull it off in two sets,’’ added the 34-year-old who still has her right elbow taped.
“The elbow is slowly getting better and it didn’t bother me during the match,’’ added Tamarine who plays French teenager Mathilde Johans-son in the second round.
“I am under no pressure. I’ll just go out there and have fun. I’m not thinking about defending the title. Johansson is on top of her game now, I will have to play my best.”
Former junior world No 1 Noppawan faces a daunting first meeting with world No 6 Stosur.
“I’m excited to play against a top 10 player for the first time. I have nothing to lose and I will go for my shots and enjoy the match,” Noppawan said.