Magda Linette and Magdalena Fręch successfully opened their campaigns at the WTA 500 tournament in Merida, Mexico. The player from Poznań defeated Germany's Tatjana Maria in straight sets, despite needing a medical timeout. A few hours later, Magdalena Fręch, after an incredibly dramatic battle lasting over two hours, eliminated Maria Timofeeva. Katarzyna Piter also won her doubles match, capping a successful day for Polish tennis in North America.

Double Triumph for Polish Players

Both Magda Linette and Magdalena Fręch won their first-round singles matches in Merida, advancing to the tournament's top sixteen.

Fręch's Dramatic Battle

Magdalena Fręch saved five set points in the second set of her match against Maria Timofeeva, winning the encounter after two hours and 16 minutes of struggle.

Safety in the Shadow of Cartel Wars

The WTA authorities issued a reassuring statement to players, assuring that despite unrest in western Mexico, the tournament in Merida is completely safe.

Polish tennis players dominated the opening of the prestigious Merida Open Akron tournament, played on hard courts in Mexico's Yucatan state. Magda Linette, seeded eighth, defeated experienced German player Tatjana Maria 7-6(3), 6-3. The match gave fans moments of fright when, towards the end of the first set, the Polish player let out a loud scream and requested a physiotherapist's intervention. Despite physical issues, the Poznań native managed to recover and take control of the match, booking her place in the round of 16. Even more emotions were delivered by Magdalena Fręch's match against Maria Timofeeva. The Łódź native started the match with a 3:0 lead, but her opponent managed to level the score. The greatest drama occurred in the second set, which lasted a full 90 minutes. The Polish player showed remarkable mental resilience, saving five set points at 3:5 and later in the tie-break. Ultimately, Fręch won 6:4, 7:6(6), allowing her to advance to the next round, where she will face seventh-seeded Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The tournament in Merida is taking place against the backdrop of a tense security situation in Mexico, triggered by the death of a powerful drug lord. However, the city of Merida is considered one of the safest in the region, as confirmed by the WTA in a special statement.The competition in Mexico is being held in the shadow of bloody cartel wars that erupted after the military killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. The WTA has assured, however, that Merida, located in the eastern part of the country, remains an oasis of calm and the safety of participants is not threatened. The next matches for the Polish players are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday local time. „WTA is aware of security breaches in western Mexico. The safety of players, staffs and fans remains our top priority.” — WTA

Mentioned People

  • Magda Linette — Polish tennis player seeded 8th, defeated Tatjana Maria.
  • Magdalena Fręch — Polish tennis player from Łódź, winner of the match against Maria Timofeeva.
  • Tatjana Maria — German tennis player, Wimbledon semifinalist, defeated by Linette.
  • Maria Timofiejewa — Tennis player representing Uzbekistan, opponent of Magdalena Fręch.