Elena Dementieva powered her way to the quarterfinals of the Acura Classic ousting Wimbledon finalist and number 5 seed in straigh sets, 6-4 7-5.
Ahead of this match many wondered if the Russian would be up to the challenge of the two-fisted French powerhouse also known as Marion Batoli. In their two first career meeting Dementieva was the victor but this year in two important stages Bartoli emerged victorious, emphatically winnign in Roland Garros and most notably in Eastbourne with a 6-0 6-1 trashing. But it was not to be in San Diego as Elena varied the paced, mixing up her shots to disrupt Bartoli’s rythm. In the first set players went toe-to-toe up until 4-4 when Dementieva geared up and pocketed the first set. In the third set there was even more drama as the players fought every inch of the way before the Russian claimed the last two games to go through to the quarterfinals.
Next up for Dementieva will be player of the week, Maria Kirilenko. The beatiful Stella McCartneyon-court model, for the Adidas by Stella McCartney brand, was relentless on her thrilling three set win over world number three Jelena Jankovic. Jankovic qualified for the Year-End Championships in Madrid earlier this week but was unable to stop the ferocious tennis displayed by Kirilenko. After beating Lucie Safarova in the second round , the Russian is now back on track again after a devastating start of the year, resembling a reborn Jankovic at the same time last year.
Dementieva and Kirilenko have never met before, but the gentlemen at the Acura Classic complex will have more than tennis to cheer for as the two beauties step on court for a showdown that can take one of them to a most-wanted semifinal spot.
Both players have only lost a set en route to this stage after having played three matches.
On other news, Maria Sharapova destroyed Tatiana Golovin with a 6-0, 6-3 smashing, starting the match with nine consecutive games before Golovin rallied with three in a row, only to have Sharapova claim the last three herlself. Sania Mirza and Anna Chakvetadze also adavanced in straight sets with Mirza pummelling Dinara Safina 6-1, 6-2. In the duel of the Swiss Misses, Patty Schnyder prevailed on a hard fought 6-1, 6-7(4) 6-3 tussle sending Martina Hingis packing earlier than expected. Venus Williams was also imperious against Hantuchova allowing only three games to her Slovakian opponent, prevailing 6-0, 6-3.
