WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- Defending champion Magdalena Rybarikova posted a win but second-seeded Sloane Stephens took a tumble Monday in the first round of the Citi Open.
Slovakia's Rybarikova began her title defense with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over American Christina McHale. Seeded seventh this year, she prevailed over Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in last year's finale at FitzGerald Tennis Center.
The news wasn't as good for American Sloane, however, who tumbled to Russian Olga Puchkova, 7-5, 6-3 in her first match since falling to Marion Bartoli in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, American Melanie Oudin bested Australian Anastasia Rodionova 7-5, 6-3.
Also logging Day 1 wins Monday were Argentine Paula Ormaechea, Germany's Andrea Petkovic and Slovakia's Jana Cepelova.
