16-year-old Oyinlomo Quadre was in ruthless mood at the Lagos Open on Wednesday as she raced into the second round with a clean 6-0, 6-0 victory over Divine Nweke of Denmark.
Nweke, competing in her second week here, was overwhelmed by the talented Nigerian, who wrapped up victory in 48 minutes.
It was the third meeting between the two, but first on the ITF World Tour. Nweke had won the pair’s previous encounter, which was on the ITF Junior Circuit in Cotonou last year to set their head-to-head record at one-all, but she stood no chance here as Quadre produced some next-level stuff to make progress.
Up next for the Nigerian teen is 8th seed, Tamara Curovic of Serbia, who defeated America’s Alexandra Riley 6-3, 6-2.
Elsewhere, Burundi’s Sada Nahimana stretched her winning streak in Lagos to six matches, following a straightforward 6-4, 6-2 victory over Adesuwa Osabuohein in 70 minutes.
Sada Nahimana in action.
Nahimana, who claimed the women’s singles title in the first leg, will look to keep up the intensity when she plays 4th seed, Nastja Kolar in the second round. Kolar defeated Nigerian qualifier, Ronke Akingbade 6-1, 6-0.
Nigeria’s top player, Blessing Samuel also joined the second round train, following a fine 6-1, 6-2 victory over her countrywoman, Jumai Mohammed. Samuel, who received a wildcard, broke Mohammed’s opening service game and was rarely troubled throughout the 68-minute one-sided contest.
Blessing Samuel
Samuel next plays last week’s beaten finalist, Laura Pigossi of Brazil, who beat Swedish qualifier, Anette Munozova 6-4, 6-0 in under an hour.
On Centre Court, the tournament’s top seed, Seone Mendez of Australia began her quest for a 7th ITF World Tour title this year with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over Fanny Ostlund in 62 minutes. Ostlund, 22, made the semifinals last week, but couldn’t get to grips with the 20-year-old Aussie’s outstanding play.
For a place in the quarter-finals, Mendez will confront Dutchwoman, Lexie Stevens, who beat Peddi Reddy of India 7-5, 6-4.
