NURNBERG, Germany - Two-time defending champion Kiki Bertens made it 13 main draw victories in a row in Nurnberg after dropping just two games against qualifier Dejana Radanovic in the opening round of the Nurnberger Versicherungscup.

“It’s always nice to come back here to Nurnberg, it brings great memories,” Bertens said afterwards. “I was just really glad to be back on court, hearing the fans cheer for me as well was so nice.”

In 2016, Bertens put together a stunning run to win Nurnberg as a qualifier, ranked World No.89, and a year later, she defended the title as the top seed and World No.19.

Now, she’s one step closer to completing the hattrick, triumphing 6-1, 6-1 in just 61 minutes against Radanovic, who was making her WTA main draw debut.

“You always think about [getting a third Nurnberg title], and it’s crazy to count it: I came from qualies and had seven singles wins there and three doubles, and last year five. So fifteen wins in a row, and now it’s my sixteenth overall.

“You’re trying not to think about it too much but you also know it has to come to an end some time.”

Up next, Bertens will take on a German opponent in the second round, as she awaits the winner between Carina Witthoeft and Mona Barthel.

“It’s gonna be fun anyways, I think it’s great that the fans are coming to watch and support the Germans, but I always feel the support here too. I think whoever wins it’ll be a great match against them.”