Chakvetadze crashes out

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:05

The seventh-seeded Russian was upset 3-6 6-3 6-2 by Romanian qualifier Monica Niculescu at the Tier II hardcourt event.

Chakvetadze had the season of her life a year ago, capturing four titles, winning 59 matches and reaching the US Open semi-finals. The 21-year-old has just one title to her name this season, however, and Tuesday’s loss – her fourth first-round defeat in five tournaments – was her 22nd of the campaign.

Niculescu, the world number 66, will face unseeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the second round.

In another surprise, 18-year-old Czech qualifier Petra Kvitova toppled sixth-seeded veteran Patty Schnyder 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Home favourite Schnyder, the 2002 champion, was making her 15th consecutive appearance at this tournament.

This marked the seventh time that the 29-year-old has lost in the first round here.

Also in opening-round action was fifth-seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska, who defeated Russian qualifier Vera Dushevina 6-4 6-1.

Other unseeded first-round winners on Tuesday included Italy’s Francesca Schiavone, Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli and Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain.

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