Pliskova and Konta advance in Nottingham Open

Nottingham - Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic came late to the Nottingham Open and avoided an early exit on Monday.

Saving the only break point she faced, Pliskova served superbly to outlast Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia 6-7 (5), 6-0, 6-2.

She accepted a wild card only last week and took over the top seeding from Victoria Azarenka, who withdrew after practicing on the Nottingham grass for two days because she still couldn't play properly on the knee she injured at the French Open.

Pliskova's twin, Kristyna, couldn't get out of trouble against Anna Tatishvili of the U.S. and lost 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Second-seeded Johanna Konta of Britain and No. 8 Christina McHale of the U.S. also advanced.