A few fans and your own towels: the WTA Tour returns

World No.24 Donna Vekic was the biggest name in action on the opening day of the Palermo Open in Sicily as the WTA Tour returned to action for the first time since March.

There have been a number of high-profile withdrawals, including Britain's Johanna Konta and Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, as well as an unnamed player being forced out of the event with coronavirus.

But the first day passed without incident, Vekic beating Arantxia Rus 6-1, 6-2 in the Round of 32. "It was definitely a little bit strange," the 24-year-old said.

"I was really nervous. But after the first two games, I just kind of relaxed and I was focused."

Fans were allowed in but only in heavily restricted numbers, with social distancing and temperature checks in place. Players have to bring their own supply of towels and there were no handshakes with umpires or their opponents.

There were also wins for Italy's Sara Errani and Laura Siegemund of Germany.