15 aces! Sabine Lisicki made it difficult for the world champion

In the morning, Sabine Lisicki and Caroline Garcia (WTA rank 4) were separated by just a few centimeters. With a view of the back wall of the Steffi Graf Stadium, the two were practicing on Court 2, side by side, practically shoulder to shoulder, on one side of the court. They played serves and returns, and the balls they hit even crossed each other several times. In the afternoon, the side by side turned into a battle. And a very special one at that, which thrilled the spectators. In the first round of the bett1open presented by ecotrans Group, local hero Lisicki gave the reigning world champion a passionate fight. In the end, Garcia won 7:6 (7:2) and 6:3. And Garcia's fist, stretched out in relief into the evening sky, documented how hard she had to work for this success.

Lisicki had thrown everything into this match: passion, heart and class. And so afterwards she vacillated between disappointment and pride: "Berlin always gives me strength. I don't have much to reproach myself for." Lisicki and Garcia had fought a duel on equal terms for long stretches, each hitting 15 aces. That is pure world class. 

Garcia was the decisive touch better in the key moments, for which Lisicki gave fair credit: "That's why she's among the top 5 in the world."

Lisicki will remain in the tournament, playing with Dana Kasatkina in the strong doubles competition.