Dulko shocks Henin at Indian Wells, Baltacha upsets Li

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Head Radical

Argentinean world No.37 Gisela Gisela DulkoDulko defeated seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, while British qualifier Elena Baltacha upset seventh seed Li Na of China.

The 31st-seeded Dulko broke wildcard Henin’s serve three times in the third set, converting every break point she had, before scoring a 6-2 1-6 6-4 win. When Dulko won the match, after two hours, she fell to her knees as spectators applauded to congratulate her on this amazing victory over Henin, who was a Grand Slam finalist less than two months ago.

The 26-year-old Baltacha achieved her first Top 10 victory by beating tenth-ranked Li Na in the second round. Baltacha’s win came after two hours and 50 minutes, two saved match points, recovery from 5-1 down in the third set tiebreaker and after the Briton “fought her heart out”. World No.65 Baltacha’s final result was 7-6(6) 2-6 7-6(7).

Dulko’s opponent in the third round will be fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, while Baltacha will play wildcard Alicia Molik. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)

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Marija Zivlak
Marija Zivlak is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women’s Tennis Blog, a trusted source for in-depth coverage of the WTA Tour, tennis fashion, and player insights. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, she has been reporting on women’s tennis for over 18 years and has contributed exclusive fashion articles to the official WTA website. Marija launched Women’s Tennis Blog on March 31, 2007 to provide fans with accurate, engaging, and up-to-date tennis news. Her expertise and deep connections within the sport allow her to offer unique perspectives on tennis trends, gear, and events.

11 COMMENTS

  1. Phew, that’s a shock of the tournament. Maria S was heading for another one against Dushevina, but amazingly she was able to save herself 2 points from the defeat. By the way, Dulko once beat her, too, the rematch would be interesting.

  2. I suspect that there will be a lot more shocks before this tournament is over! Predict that Dementieva, Clijsters, Kuznetsova & Sharapova will all fall before the semi’s.

    Pavlyuchenkova to win it now!!

  3. Tony Kuznetsova actually did lose in three to Suarez Navarro. So maybe you are right. Though I can’t see Clijsters not making the semi’s.

  4. I saw Kuznetsova’s matched, Navarro rocks! Svetlana just couldnt get it together the number of UEs speaks for itself. On another note: Anaaaaa?! Losing to an unranked?!Downward spirall continues. I just don’t understand what is going on with her, she is completely fizzling out. She’s only a shadow of herself nowadays. Are we going to see her in top 100 in the end of the year? What do you guys think?

  5. Poor Ana. she will fall again in the rankings. 700 points oouch… I am afraid she will fall outside of the top 100 🙁

  6. Marine, it wasn’t that bad, Ana lost to No.63 and not to an unranked player. But she’ll be out of Top 50, I can’t believe it. Her drop out of Top 100 could come very quickly as well. All I can say is good luck Ana!

  7. Ah well, no.63. But still she needs to beat these people. With this her confidence will go even more. Hopefully that new coach will be able to get her on the right track. It’s about time.

  8. I think we won’t help Ana by telling her who she should beat, and by putting time constraints. Of course, I don’t think we’re the ones influencing her, but people in general are pressuring her, like her own pressure is not enough. She should just let go, and we should let her go, and naturally she will take the burden off her chest and get back to the top.

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