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Giuseppe Muro25 June 2013
Forty-two-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm moved into the second round with a convincing straight sets victory over German qualifier Carina Witthoeft.
The 1996 Wimbledon semi-finalist, born in 1970 and the oldest competitor in the main draw, won 6-0, 6-2 in just 44 minutes on Court 14.
Japanese veteran Date-Krumm, who hit 17 winners to her opponent’s two, said: “Tennis is not only about power and speed, and not only for young players. It is also a mental sport and you need experience."
Chinese sixth seed Li Na is also in the second round following a 6-1, 6-1 win over Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands. Samantha Stosur beat Anna Schmiedlova 6-1, 6-3.
