Lulu Sun defeated by Sofia Kenin in Madrid

Lulu Sun has lost 6-3 6-2 to No 32 seed Sofia Kenin in the second round of the Madrid Open.

The 24-year-old Sun was playing in her first tournament since guiding New Zealand to a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup World Group Playoffs later this year. 

She had an impressive three-set win over Varvara Gracheva from France in the opening round in the Spanish capital. But despite a determined effort, Sun couldn’t overcome the former Australian Open champion.

Sun served seven aces in the opening set and was able to break the American, but dropped her own serve twice in the opening set.

In the second set, Sun wasn’t able to get as many of her first serves in and was again broken twice, while Kenin saved both break points she had against her.

By making it to the second round, Sun picks up €30,895 (NZ$59,000) of prize money, plus 35 ranking points, which should keep her inside the world’s top 50.

Meanwhile, the draw for the men’s doubles in Madrid has been done. Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic are the No 6 seeds and will play against Ariel Behar and Joran Vliegen in the opening round.

It had previously been confirmed that Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski are the top seeds for the women’s doubles and will be up against Sorana Cirstea and Anna Kalinskaya in the first round.