Canadian tennis players Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov both lost in first-round action at the Libema Open on Monday, marking difficult starts to their grass-court seasons in the Netherlands.
Andreescu falls to Mertens in straight sets
Andreescu, from Mississauga, Ontario, was defeated 6-1, 6-3 by Belgian third seed Elise Mertens in the women's draw at the 250-level event. Mertens did not face a break point in the match and converted four of her seven break-point opportunities. The victory was Mertens' first in three career meetings against Andreescu, who entered the main draw as a wild card.
Shapovalov loses tight three-set contest to Cilic
Shapovalov, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, fell 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-5 to Croatian veteran Marin Cilic in the men's draw. The match was marked by frequent service breaks, with Cilic converting seven of ten break-point chances against Shapovalov, who broke Cilic five times on seven opportunities. The loss improved Cilic's head-to-head record against Shapovalov to 4-3.
Wimbledon looms in three weeks
The grass-court season is the shortest on the tennis calendar, lasting roughly one month and culminating with Wimbledon. The third Grand Slam of the season begins June 29 in London.