Thursday, October 11, 2007

Defending champion out of Kremlin Cup

Anna Chakvetadze, playing her first round in Moscow, was sent packing today by countrywoman Dinara Safina, 7-6, 6-2. Chakvetadze's defeat continues a serious rash of upsets breaking out all over the Moscow event (on the men's side, too). Chakvetadze saved two match points in the second set. Indeed, she held two set points in the first set tiebreak, but could not convert them.

Safina's victory broke her ten-match losing streak against top ten players. She next faces another countrywoman, Vera Zvonareva, who is working to regain her former high standing on the tour, and who--in my opinion--has a good chance of succeeding. Zvonareva's blistering backhand may get her past an in-form Safina.

Serena Williams, for her part, endured a spirited challenge from qualifier Tatiana Perebiynis, defeating her 7-5, 6-4.

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