Ivanovic guts out a win as Stephens loses
Source: Agencies |
February 20, 2013, Wednesday
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SLOANE Stephens lost in the first round of the Dubai Championship on Monday in he United Arab Emirates, the latest setback for the rising American star who reached the Australian Open semifinals.
Stephens, who has reached a career high 16 in the world rankings since knocking out Serena Williams in Melbourne, lost to Sorana Cirstea of Romania 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.
"It was a rough day, and I think she obviously played some good tennis," Stephens said. "Every match isn't going to go the way you want it, and obviously I got a little frustrated. Things happen, but, I mean, no need to dwell on it."
Eleventh-ranked Marion Bartoli also advanced, coming from a set down to beat Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. She was joined by former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, who overcame a sore right shoulder to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Ivanovic appeared to be cruising toward victory after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, but then began struggling with her serve, allowing the Russian to break back twice and force the tiebreaker.
"It was very tough. It was kind of getting difficult," Ivanovic said. "She really started striking the ball a lot deeper and harder when she had her back against the wall."
Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka withdrew because of a bruised foot.
Stephens, who has reached a career high 16 in the world rankings since knocking out Serena Williams in Melbourne, lost to Sorana Cirstea of Romania 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.
"It was a rough day, and I think she obviously played some good tennis," Stephens said. "Every match isn't going to go the way you want it, and obviously I got a little frustrated. Things happen, but, I mean, no need to dwell on it."
Eleventh-ranked Marion Bartoli also advanced, coming from a set down to beat Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. She was joined by former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, who overcame a sore right shoulder to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-3, 7-6 (5).
Ivanovic appeared to be cruising toward victory after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, but then began struggling with her serve, allowing the Russian to break back twice and force the tiebreaker.
"It was very tough. It was kind of getting difficult," Ivanovic said. "She really started striking the ball a lot deeper and harder when she had her back against the wall."
Second-ranked Victoria Azarenka withdrew because of a bruised foot.
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