**Seoul, South Korea** – Hailey Baptiste secured an impressive victory over 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, winning 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the first round of the WTA’s Korean Open. Baptiste’s performance marks a significant moment for the rising American player, defeating her more experienced compatriot in straight sets.
In other notable matches in Seoul, Amanda Anisimova pulled off an upset with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory over sixth-seeded Yulia Putintseva. Polina Kudermetova overcame Priscilla Hon 7-5, 6-4, while Viktoriya Tomova outlasted Tatjana Maria 6-2, 1-6, 6-0 in a tightly contested battle.
**Weather Halts Play in Thailand**
Over in Thailand, the WTA’s Thailand Open faced disruptions due to rain and storms, leading to a suspension of play. Among the halted matches was the first-round encounter between top-seeded Dayana Yastremska and Mai Hontama. Hontama led 4-3 in the first set when the weather forced the players off the court.
These tournaments are keeping the tennis calendar busy despite the unpredictable weather, and there’s plenty to look forward to as the events unfold.