Sunday, February 15, 2009

Interesting first day in Dubai

Let's start with Julia Shruff. The German veteran, ranked number 137 in the world and competing as a qualifier, defeated the up-and-coming Petra Kvitova, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

Kaia Kenepi defeated her Dubai doubles partner, Tamira Paszek, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0. (Kanepi and Paszek were eliminated in the first round of doubles.)

Another up-and-coming player, Anastasia Pavyluchenkova, upset Maria Kirilenko, 6-2, 6-4.

Elena Vesnina, who, for some reason (if anyone knows the reason, please tell me) has significantly elevated her game this season, defeated Li Na, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. Granted, Li is just returning to the tour, but this is still an impressive win from Vesnina.

4 comments:

Sasha said...

Vesnina is quite a good doubles player, and I think that Shamil Tarpishchev has touted her by putting her in his Fed Cup squad so often. I don't think that she will beat Kuznetsova though. Anyway, in Memphis: Dokic vs Wozniacki first round. That has potential!

wtaoncourt.blogspot.com

Diane said...

Yes, she is indeed a good doubles player; perhaps she's finally transferred some of those doubles skills to her singles game.

Dokic vs. Wozniacki--sounds like a good one to me!

Anonymous said...

I don't know if it can qualify as a reason for her improved game or not, but, according to Russian media, Vesnina is dating Anastasia Myskina's ex-boyfriend--the same guy who is also the rumored father of her child. If it is true, maybe she subconsciously wants to prove him that she is as good as Nasty was in her prime time. Who knows!
Here is the post on my site.
http://tennisinfoblog.com/elena-vesnina-dates-nastya-myskinas-ex-boyfriend

Diane said...

Thanks for the gossip, Nina--this I didn't know. I hope that Vesnina, for whatever reason, continues to improve.