Sunday, May 23, 2010

Injured Martinez Sanchez out in 1st round of French Open

Italian Open champion Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez sustained a neck injury during her first round at the French Open today, and--though she continued to play--she was not able to overcome opponent Akgul Amanmuradova. Amanmuradova's 6-2, 6-4 win over the 20th seed gives her a second round meeting with Johanna Larsson, who defeated Anastasija Sevastova.

Martinez Sanchez is uncertain whether she will be able to compete in doubles.

Defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, after going down 0-3 in the first set, had a straight-set win over 2009 quarterfinalist Sorana Cirstea, and Madrid champion Aravane Rezai allowed opponent Heidi El Tabakh to win only two games. Meanwhile, Gisela Dulko finally had her first clay court victory of the season, taking out 10th seed Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-2. Azarenka has not had much match play lately because of a thigh injury, and is not moving  well, which made matters much easier for Dulko. I think this was an upset possibility, anyway, though perhaps not one with a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline.

Venus Williams took her record against Patty Schnyder to 11-0, U.S. player Varvara Lepchenko defeated U.S. wild card Christine McHale, Anna Chakvetadze went out to Angelique Kerber in a tight three-set match, and Andrea Petkovic--who defeated Elena Vesnina--hit twelve aces.

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