Ons Jabeur beats Jasmine Paolini for first grass win in Eastbourne, Petra Kvitova withdraws ahead of Wimbledon

Ons Jabeur won her first grass match of the season as she beat Jasmine Paolini at the Eastbourne International.

Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up was beaten in her grass opener in Berlin the previous week.

However, Jabeur looked improved against Paolini as she won 6-3 6-2.

The fourth seed broke twice in the first set and three times in the second to secure the victory.

She will next face Heather Watson or Camila Giorgi.

Jabeur is one of the leading contenders at Eastbourne, where Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and defending champion Petra Kvitova have both pulled out.

“I’m very sad that I have to withdraw from the tournament in Eastbourne and not have the chance to defend my title,” Kvitova said in a statement.

• Robson: ‘No reason’ for ‘amazing’ Murray to retire
• Is Alcaraz biggest threat to Djokovic at Wimbledon?

“It’s one of my favourite stops on tour and I wish everyone a great week.”

British No. 1 Katie Boulter is in action in Eastbourne on Tuesday while Jodie Burrage and Harriet Dart both won on Monday.

Wimbledon starts on July 3.