Germany's Angelique Kerber won in straight sets to advance to the third round of the Western and Southern Open on Wednesday (17th August) in Ohio.

While world number three Garbine Muguruza defeated CoCo Vandeweghe in straight sets on Wednesday (17th August) to progress to round three.

World no.2 Angelique Kerber started her first match in Cincinnati off the back of becoming the first German woman to win an Olympic tennis medal since Steffi Graff in 1992.

Kerber was up against 23-year-old Kristina Mladenovic.

The French competitior was quickly down a double break at 4-love with Kerber perhaps aware of the significance of this week at the Western&Southern Open.

If the German goes onto win she'll displace Serena Williams at the top of the World rankings for the first time in over three years.

The world no.2 starting with a 6-love opening set.

The second was more of a contest, yet Kerber prevailed.

6-0, 7-5. Unseeded Barbora Strycova up next.

Later on, World no.3 Garbine Muguruza was in search of her first win in four attempts in Ohio.

She was up against American Coco Vandeweghe.

The French Open continued her shaky form early-on with three straight double faults in one game, yet went on to win in straight sets 7-6, 6-2.