Nature Valley International: Wozniacki wins Eastbourne opener

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki made a winning start to her title defence at the Nature Valley International on Monday, winning her opening match against Kirsten Flipkens 6-3, 6-4.

Wozniacki said she was happy to be feeling well as she embarks on her grass court season. "I just love grass," said the former world No.1. "I think the season so far I have been really unlucky with sickness and with injuries. There is nothing really I can do about it. You just kind of have to keep moving on, moving forward.

"Right now I'm feeling healthy, knock on wood. So hopefully I keep being healthy. When I feel good, then I know I can beat anyone and I can play on my highest level. I'm just taking it one tournament at a time right now and one day at a time. Hopefully my body is going to hold up."

Second seed and 2017 champion Karolina Pliskova also looked strong on the grass courts of Devonshire Park, beating Margarita Gasparyan 6-3- 6-3.

Qualifier Paul Jubb's impressive run came to an end as he fell to in-form Taylor Fritz 6-2 6-3.

Jubb, who hails from Hull, said: "I was a bit tired today playing my seventh match in eight days, and Taylor played really well.

"Overall it's been a great learning experience for me, beating two players ranked much higher than me. I'm looking forward to a few days off now, and getting ready for Wimby."

Elsewhere, men's fifth seed Fernando Verdasco won a tough clash against John Millman 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-1, Steve Johnson overcame Reilly Opelka 7-6(4), 6-3, and Sam Querrey beat Mikhail Kukushkin 6-3, 7-6(4).

Meanwhile Andy Murray, who teamed up with Feliciano Lopez to win the doubles at the Fever Tree Championships at The Queen's Club London on Sunday, began preparations for his Nature Valley International doubles title campaign with partner Marcelo Melo.

Murray said he was feeling good, despite his intense schedule at Queen's. "My back, that's the only thing that's been of any concern, really," said Murray, ahead of his first round doubles match on Tuesday. "It's not a concern, but it's just a bit stiff and sore."