Bartunkova fights back past Charaeva in Cincinnati opener

Nikola Bartunkova recovered from a set down to beat Alina Charaeva 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the opening round of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. The Czech's serve was erratic all afternoon — just 47.0% of first deliveries landed in and seven double faults came with them — but when she found the target she was effective, winning 65.5% of first-serve points and striking six aces. Charaeva was the steadier server at 58.7% first serves in, yet took only 44.7% behind her second ball, against 46.8% for Bartunkova. That narrow edge on the vulnerable ball carried the Czech into the second round.