Friedsam faces Bertens in Stuttgart tennis

Anna-Lena Friedsam has secured a place in the main draw at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart with victory over Tereza Smitkova in her final qualifier.

The German, who is ranked a lowly world No.681 in the world having once been as high as 45, is on the comeback trail after injury.

Friedsam saw off the Czech 6-4 6-4 and will now play sixth seed Kiki Bertens in round one.

There were also qualifying victories for Sara Sorribes Tormo, Greet Minnen and Mandy Minella.

All the world's top four - Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova will be in action in the event later in the week.

Sixth seed Petra Martic made a winning start at the Istanbul Cup in Turkey, coming from behind to beat Tamara Zidansek 3-6 6-1 6-3.