Another problem--just what Dokic needed

As pointed out in Women's Tennis Blog, if Jelena Dokic defeats Flavia Pennetta (I don't think that's going to happen, by the way), she is faced with either moving forward in Hobart or dropping out altogether so she can go compete for a so-called "wild card" at the Australian Open, since she was not given one.

I do not understand the logic in not giving Dokic a wild card (by that, I mean a real wild card, not this "you have to earn it" business). It seems that if anyone should be given one, it is she, but what do I know?

Azarenka retires in first round at Hobart

Victoria Azarenka, bothered by an abductor injury she developed at the Gold Coast tournament last week, retired during her first round at the Moorilla Hobart International. Azarenka was forced to stop at 1-3 in the first set, giving the win to Olga Govortsova.

Chakvetadze out in first round in Sydney

Katerina Srebotnik has defeated hot-and-cold Russian star Anna Chakvetadze 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Medibank International tournament in Sydney. Srebotnik held a high first service and first service win percentage throughout the match, and may also have benefited from Chakvetadze's injured left hand.

Add Dulko to the retirement list

Gisela Dulko retired in her first round at the Moorilla Hobart International in her second set against Nuria Llagastera Vives; Llagostera Vives was leading, 6-3, 2-1. The reason for the retirement is unknown.

Dokic STILL can't catch a break

Remember those so-called Australian Open "discretionary" wild cards? None of them has been given to Jelena Dokic, so she will have to compete for one.

Mauresmo and Li withdraw from Sydney

As if there were not already enough injury and illness, last week's Gold Coast winner, Li Na--returning after months of recovering from a rib injury--has withdrawn from the Medibank International tournament because of an injury to her right knee. And Amelie Mauresmo is experiencing that left adductor strain again, and has determined that it is wise for her to rest instead of taking the risk of playing.

Peschke and Stubbs upset in first round in Sydney

Number 4 seeds Kveta Peschke and Rennae Stubbs were defeated, 6-4, 3-6, 10-5 by Laura Granville and Vladmira Uhlirova in the first round of the Medibank International tournament.