ASB Classic updates: Elise Mertens, Emma Raducanu pull out of tournament

Madison Keys of USA plays a shot against Lucia Bronzetti of Italy during the opening round of the ASB Classic. Photo / Photosport

Updates of day two of the ASB Classic which has begun with two big names withdrawing from the tournament.

11:00pm Third seed joins list of big names to exit

Third seed Amanda Anisimova is out of the ASB Classic, after a 6-2 2-6 3-6 defeat at the hands of compatriot Alycia Parks on Tuesday night. The match, which didn’t finish until almost 11pm, was easily the best of the tournament so far, with a consistent high level and some brilliant rallies.

World No 36 Anisimova looked to be in control after the first set, where she displayed her clean hitting and perfect timing. But the third seed dipped slightly after that, as errors crept into her game, while Parks (No 82) raised her level, helped by the some powerful serving.

The third set was compelling. Both players had the ascendency at different times but Anisimova couldn’t take her chances, only converting one of five break opportunities. That was ultimately the difference, as Parks got the advantage, then took her second match point.

8:30pm Robin Montgomery joins USA contingent in second round

Robin Montgomery has added to the large American presence later in the week, progressing with a 6-3 2-6 6-0 win over Japanese Mai Hontama. Montgomery would have been feeling fortunate - having avoided sixth seed Emma Raducanu, who withdrew on Tuesday morning - and made the most of it with a solid display. Houtama had her moments but couldn’t match the power or precision of her opponent in the 1h45m contest.

How round of 16 draw is looking

4.50pm: There’s potential for seven Americans filling up the eight quarter-final spots.

1-Madison Keys (USA) v Jaqueline Cristian (Romania)

Sofia Kenin (USA) v 5-Clara Tauson (Denmark)

Rebecca Marino (Canada) v Bernarda Pera (USA)

Nao Hibino (Japan) v Robin Montgomery (USA) or Mai Hontama (Japan)

8-Katie Volynets (USA) v Ann Li (USA)

Greet Minnen (Belgium) v Alycia Parks (USA) or Amanda Anisimova (USA)

7-Naomi Osaka (Japan) v Julia Grabher (Austria)

Hailey Baptiste (USA) v Jodie Burrage (Great Britain)

Last Kiwi out of singles

4.40pm: Kiwi Vivian Yang puts in a strong performance but it’s not enough for get past Jodie Burrage. The Brit wasn’t part of the main draw this morning, replacing Elise Mertens, but the lucky loser is into the final 16 with a 6-3, 6-3 win over the hometown teen.

But a win for New Zealand in the doubles with Monique Barry and Jade Otway winning a thriller over Georgian Oksana Kalashnikova and Nao Hibino of Japan, 6-3, 3-6, 10-4.

Over on the Grandstand court, Belgian Greet Minnen also moves onto the final 16 with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Germany’s Anna-Lena Friedsam.

Straight sets win for top seed

3pm: Madison Keys lives up to the top seed billing with a straight sets victory over Lucia Bronzetti of Italy. The American takes it out 6-4, 6-4.

In other singles matches, American Hailey Baptiste is too strong for 17-year-old wild card Renata Jamrichova, winning 6-0, 6-1.

Next up is Kiwi Vivian Yang who was meant to be facing Elise Mertens but instead takes on lucky loser Jodie Burrage from Great Britain.

Sofia Kenin advances

1.12pm: American Sofia Kenin makes it look easy in the second set to get by last year’s semifinalist Xiyu Wang. Kenin takes it out 7-6, 6-1.

The 2020 Australian Open winner will next face fifth seed Clara Tauson in the round of 16.

Jaqueline Cristian of Romania has also moved onto the next round with a 6-3 2-0 walkover against Yuliia Starodubtseva.

Seeds remaining

12.36pm: With Raducanu and Mertens withdrawing and Lulu Sun exiting yesterday, that means three of the eight seeds are gone with day two barely underway.

1. Madison Keys

3. Amanda Anisimov

5. Clara Tauson

7. Naomi Osaka

8. Katie Volynets

Emma Raducanu and Elise Mertens pull out

12.20pm: The ASB Classic has suffered a big blow on day two of the tournament with drawcards Emma Raducanu and Elise Mertens pulling out before their first round matches.

Mertens was the second seed and was drawn against Kiwi Vivian Yang while Raducanu, the sixth seed, was set to play in the evening session.

Their places have been taken by Mai Hontama from Japan and Jodie Burrage from Great Britain respectively.

Raducanu has suffered a back injury and while she had hoped for a speedy recovery, it has not improved sufficiently for her to compete.

The British star was set to play her opening round match against American Robin Montgomery this evening.

“I’ve tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately, I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time,” said Raducanu.

Mertens, the world no. 21 ranked female, also withdrew this morning ahead of her first-round match.

“I am sorry not to play my singles due to an injury,” said Mertens. “I wish the tournament all the best and hope to be back next year.”

An updated schedule of play will be released shortly.