Azarenka wins WTA opener

Istanbul - Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka overcame an erratic performance to beat an ailing Sara Errani 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the opening match of the WTA Championships on Tuesday.

Errani hurt her right calf in the third game of the second set and took a medical timeout to have it treated. Several times after that she seemed to be bothered by the injury and to favor her right leg, although she returned after the medical timeout to break Azarenka's serve to level at 2-2. She did not win another game though.

Errani served for the set three times — and dropped serve each time.

Azarenka's win was her first since losing the U.S. Open final to Serena Williams, who was next on court against Angelique Kerber.

Results from the first day of the WTA Championships on Tuesday (x denotes seeding):

Singles:

White Group:
Victoria Azarenka (BLR x2) bt Sara Errani (ITA x6) 7-6 (7/4), 6-2