Sharapova: Unconvincing win
Monday, October 4th, 2010Sharapova struggles through – Russian battles past Pironkova; Kuznetsova stunned in Beijing Maria Sharapova stuttered into the second round of the China Open with an unconvincing 6-4 7-6 victory over Tsvetana Pironkova.
Maria Sharapova stuttered into the second round of the China Open with an unconvincing 6-4 7-6 victory over Tsvetana Pironkova.
The Russian 12th seed struggled to find her rhythm against the unseeded Bulgarian, however she did just enough to progress.
Speaking after her battling win, Sharapova said: “The first rounds are always difficult. You just try to find your way and your rhythm.
“At the end of the day, I found a way to win and that was the most important thing today.”
Qualifier Roberta Vinci sprung a major surprise in the opening round by eliminating defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The Italian won 6-3 2-6 6-3 to book her place in the second round.
Fourth seed Samantha Stosur was another high-profile casualty on Sunday, the Australian falling to Latvian qualifier Anastasija Sevastova 2-6 7-6 7-5.
China’s leading player Li Na, seeded ninth, impressed in front of her home fans with a routine 6-2 6-0 victory over Russian Alla Kudryavtseva at the Olympic tennis centre.
Unseeded Argentine Gisela Dulko caused an upset by knocking out Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai 6-4 2-6 6-4.
World number two Caroline Wozniacki begins her quest to leapfrog Serena Williams at the top of the rankings later in the week.
Tsvetana Pironkova vs Agnieska Radwanska Video
