World No.2 Caroline Wozniacki has a chance to regain her No.1 ranking from Kim Clijsters if she reaches the semifinals of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships and she’s on a good way, having overcome Anna Chakvetadze after a first-round bye. Actually, if it can be perceived as a victory, because Chakvetadze collapsed during the match and retired right afterwards.
The 51st-ranked Chakvetadze lost the first set 6-1, but was up in the second, serving at 5-3 when she fell to the ground with her eyes rolling. Upon receiving medical attention, Chakvetadze wanted to continue the match, but had to give up after just one point. The Russian was later diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
It’s a disappointing end to Chakvetadze’s appearance in Dubai, as she won the battle of former Top 5 players by defeating Hantuchova in the first round, the winner of last weekend’s Pattaya tournament, and was pretty optimistic about her current game.
Here’s what Chakvetadze said after beating Hantuchova:
I think I’m going in the right direction. At least now I feel I’m playing tennis. A year ago it was something different. I don’t want to expect too much, I just want to enjoy practicing, then enjoy the matches and try to win. I don’t want to put pressure on myself. It’s the beginning of a new career for me. I don’t think about three years ago. Of course it gave me some experience, but it will also put more pressure on me.
Pity, the outcome was that Chakvetadze suffered her first straight-set loss to Wozniacki in their four meetings, and is now 0-4 against the Dane.
Additional info: Besides the top-seeded Wozniacki, all the seeds advanced to the third round, with just one exception of No.5 seed Li Na, who fell to Yanina Wickmayer 6-7(6) 7-6(6) 6-2. Those that were victorious include: Vera Zvonareva, Francesca Schiavone, Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwanska, Shahar Peer, Marion Bartoli, Flavia Pennetta, Kaia Kanepi, Alisa Kleybanova, and Svetlana Kuznetsova. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)
