Kerber loses in Bad Homburg, Niemeier beats top seed Sakkari

German tennis player Angelique Kerber in action against Czech Republic's Linda Noskova during the women's Singles round of 32 at at the Steffi Graf Stadium. Andreas Gora/dpa

Germany's former world number one Angelique Kerber was beaten in the first round at the Bad Homburg Open grass court tournament on Monday, the last event before Wimbledon.

The 2018 Wimbledon champion has been feeling her way back since January after returning from maternity leave. The 36-year-old lost 5-7, 3-6 to Russian Diana Schneider in front of home fans.

The three-time grand slam winner also crashed out in the first round on Berlin's grass last week.

Lucky loser Jule Niemeier earlier stunned top seed Maria Sakkari with a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) comeback victory at the Wimbledon warm-up.

Former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Niemeier prevailed after 2 hours 34 minutes when Sakkari double faulted.

The German had only made the main draw after the withdrawal of Elisabetta Cocciaretto and next faces Paula Badosa in the second round.

Elsewhere, second seed Ludmila Samsonova defeated Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-3, 6-1 and fourth seed Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil beat German Tamara Korpatsch in straight sets.

There were also win for Katerina Siniakova, Anna Blinkova and Linda Noskova.

German Tennis player Jule Niemeier in action during the women doubles WTA Tour 1st round match. Lucky loser Jule Niemeier stunned top seed Maria Sakkari with a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) comeback victory at the Bad Homburg Open grass court tournament on Monday. Former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Niemeier prevailed after 2 hours 34 minutes when Sakkari double faulted. Hannes P Albert/dpa

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