Niemeier stuns Sakkari in Hamburg as Kerber bows out

Maria Sakkari's poor form continued as the Bad Homburg Open top seed was knocked out in the first round by lucky loser Jule Niemeier.

Greek star Sakkari, ranked ninth in the world, exited the Berlin Ladies Open in the first round last week having also ended her French Open campaign in the first round.

The 28-year-old started Monday's clash well but struggled with Niemeier's superior first serve in the second set in what is among the final tune-up events for Wimbledon.

Niemeier took the upper hand to go 5-3 ahead the third set and was serving for the match, but Sakkari fought back to force a tie-break.

Sakkari went toe to toe with her German opponent in the tie-break but double faults proved to be her undoing as she went down 2-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4).

Former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Niemeier will next face Spanish wildcard Paula Badosa in the second round.

Germany's former world No.1 Angelique Kerber was also beaten in the first round.

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.