Both Daniela Hantuchova and Petra Kvitova, who won last week’s tournaments of Pattaya and Paris, were defeated in the first round of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.
Kvitova may have beaten current world No.1 Kim Clijsters just two days ago, but she felt slow and tired in her first round in the United Arab Emirates and lost to qualifier Ayumi Morita 7-6(2) 7-6(3). Having won the Brisbane and Paris tournaments in 2011, Kvitova has today suffered only her second loss of the season in which she ascended 20 spots in the rankings. The Czech is currently at a career-high of No.14.
Hantuchova was also feeling physically exhausted, so much that at moments she couldn’t keep track of the score. Former world No.5 Anna Chakvetadze, whose days of tennis glory are growing distant, made it to the second round of Dubai with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Hantuchova. It’s Chakvetadze’s second first-round win in four attempts this season.
Besides the 14th-seeded Kvitova, the only other seed to lose on Tuesday was No.13 seed Ana Ivanovic, who is now enjoying the benefits of being coachless. Patty Schnyder defeated Ivanovic 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2. Another Serb also lost in three sets in the first round, wildcard Bojana Jovanovski to Yanina Wickmayer, 7-5 3-6 6-2. (photo: © Neal Trousdale)
Ana lost to player she defeated just 4 months ago 6:1, 6:2. What is that telling her? The girl really needs to think about things.
I am shocked and amazed at Ana’s reasoning about going coachless this season. Even Steffi and Justine had coaches till the end of their illustrious careers…
This loss should wake her up! After winning 2 events last year (with a coach)…she is losing to unknown qualifiers!
Sorry Akanksha, but Patty Schnyder is anything but “unknown” and its pretty rude to call her that! I’m not shocked at this loss, Ana is like roller coaster and Patty is a quality player, she can beat anyone if she’s at her best!
Patty Schnyder definitely is not unknown qualifier and I agree with Georgina, if she has a good day, she can beat everyone on the Tour.
I understand Ana’s reasoning, she wasn’t lucky with coaches and now she’s doing what she thinks is best, to just relax and play. Hopefully, things will come together for her again.
Ana’s not feeling well. Her injury from Hopman Cup has not healed completely and it is bothering her. I believe this is the reason for poor results. Had she not been injured she would have played much better,even though she is coach-less at the moment.
And also, she withdrew from the upcoming Qatar Open.