Italy’s Sara Errani booked her ticket to the final qualifying round of the tournament in Madrid after defeating Kristina Mladenovic in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(7).

Sarah ErraniPhoto: Mariusz Palczynski / Mpaimages.C / Zuma Press / Profimedia

>>> WTA Madrid: Gabriela Ruse, close to the main draw – she beat a player with a much higher rating

Sara Errani edged past Kristina Mladenovic en route to the final round of the WTA Madrid qualifiers

2012 Roland Garros finalist Sara Errani (83 WTA) has a chance to reach the main draw in Madrid after beating Kristina Mladenovic (146 WTA) in straight sets.

The Italian took one hour and 39 minutes to advance to the next round of qualifying after a near-perfect first set in which she dropped just one game.

In the second set, Sara Errani was impressed by the tenacity of Kristina Mladenovic, who came back from 5-3 down but eventually managed to win in a tie-break.

Sara Errani is followed by a match with the British Jodie Burrage (110 WTA).

The WTA Mutua Madrid Open takes place from April 25 to May 7 on clay at the Caja Magica complex. It is in the WTA 1000 category, has a total prize money of US$7,652,174, and the title holder is Ons Jabert. Simona Halep won in 2016 and 2017.