Kerber makes strong start at WTA Eastbourne

Konta is keen to make an impression on home soil after reaching the semifinals of the French Open.

Sixth seed Halep began her grass court campaign in style with a 6-2, 6-0 thrashing of Hsieh Su-Wei, and will be confident of further progress when she faces Slovakian qualifier Polona Hercog.

Elena Svitolina was the top ranked player to exit on Tuesday, as the Ukrainian fifth seed bowed out 6-3, 7-6 (3) to Alize Cornet.