Wimbledon 2019: Angelique Kerber makes comfortable start to title defence

The German eased to a 6-4 6-3 win over compatriot Tatjana Maria

Angelique Kerber started the defence of her Wimbledon title with a comfortable victory over Tatjana Maria.

Kicking off the action on Centre Court on day two, the German eased to a 6-4 6-3 win over her compatriot in front of the watching Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal Box.

Despite not winning a tournament since beating Serena Williams in the final at SW19 last year, Kerber has shown some good recent form, including reaching the final in Eastbourne last week.

And the 31-year-old, who lost her only previous meeting with Maria, avoided becoming the first ladies’ champion to be defeated in the first round the following year since Steffi Graf in 1994.

Kerber broke early on and despite seeing Maria level up at 4-4 following 11 unforced errors, served out the set.

She did not have it all her own way in the second set, letting slip a 3-1 lead, but had enough and claimed victory by winning three games in a row.

PA