Court Report: Mattek-Sands stays hot in singles at Volvo Car Open

Each day on TENNIS.com, we’ll feature Tennis Channel’s Court Report, a rundown of the day that was in the sport—along with our thoughts on what’s happening on the courts around the world.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands is known more for her doubles ability than her singles prowess, but she’s been impressing in her solo act of late.

The top-ranked doubles player reached the fourth round in Miami last week—upsetting Elina Svitolina and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the process—and continued her red-hot stretch in Charleston on Tuesday.

The American, who took a wild card into the Volvo Car Open, defeated 18-year-old countrywoman Sofia Kenin, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the second round.

“First match on clay, I love that it’s in Charleston here,” the 32-year-old told the Tennis Channel after her victory. “This is one of my favorite cities to come to, one of my favorite stadiums to play in. [I was] playing Sofia, who is a great upcoming American. She’s done well, has some confidence coming through qualies.

“I knew she was going to feel comfortable, but how many stadiums has she played in? It’s kind of a balance, but [my] first match on clay, I’m really happy with it.”

Next up for Mattek-Sands is Lucie Safarova, her best friend and doubles partner. The former French Open finalist willed her way past Varvara Lepchenko, 7-5, 6-7 (8), 6-3.

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