As the second round continues at the East West Bank Classic at Carson California, there are some long matches and some upsets. Players that are highlighting today were Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, Nadia Petrova, and Daniela Hantuchova.
Let’s start with the first seed Maria Sharapova. Maria seemed like she had her work cut out for her as the first set went to a tie-break. The tiebreak seemed to be a long one as it was close, but in the end, Maria took the first set 7-6 (7-5). The second set, Maria took a break as she lead 3-1 but Eleni Daniilidou retired because she was feeling effects of an illness that prevented her from practicing earlier.
Number two seed Jelena Jankovic had no problems dismantling Shuai Peng 6-1 6-1. Onto the number three seed, also from Serbia, Ana Ivanovic. This is Ana’s first tournament since her knee injury and is facing American Ashley Harkleroad. She had no problems defeating her as she cruised to a 6-4 6-2 victory.
Nadia Petrova had no problems either as she faced off against Lilia Osterloh and won 7-5 6-3. Daniela Hantuchova, the fifth seed had no problems in the first set taking it 6-3 but in the second set, it seemed like she had problems or Jill Craybas decided to come back as Daniela had troubles closing it out. In the end, Daniela won in the tiebreak to win the match 6-3 7-6 (7-5)
Elena Dementieva had no problems cruising into the next round by defeating Madison Brengle 6-2 6-0. Virginie Razzano took out the tenth seed, Shahar Peer in an exciting three sets and a third set tiebreak to move onto the next round. 6-1 4-6 7-6 (8-6) for Virginie.
Sybille Bammer defeated Olga Govortsova 6-2 6-1 to move onto the next round while Katarina Srebotnik moved onto the next round after Mara Santangelo losing the first set 5-0 and then retired due to a left foot injury.
Lucie Safarova, the sixteenth seed took out Ai Sugiyama in what was a pretty well-balanced match. Final score 6-3 6-4. Finally, the last match of the day, American Meghann Shaughnessy and Victoria Azarenka. This match was somewhat of an upset because Victoria Azarenka defeated Meghann 6-2 6-3 to move onto the next round.
Stay tuned for more from the East West Bank Classic!
