Rezai too strong for Danilidou
Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:11
Rezai, the world number 77, had too much firepower for Danilidou, clinching a 6-3 3-6 6-3 win at the ASB Tennis Centre.
The match was most notable for the first official use of on-court coaching, which allows players to seek advice from their coaches once every set and while their opponent is on a medical, change of attire or toilet break. All coaches are wearing microphones to capture the moment for television audiences.
Sixth seed Nicole Vaidisova also progressed with a hard-fought 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-5 win over Russian Alla Kudryavtseva, while Barbora Zahlavova Strycova overcame Virginie Razzano of France 1-6 6-2 6-3.
Fifth seed Shahar Peer of Israel was one of only three women to advance in straight sets on the first day, defeating Petra Cetkovska 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.
American Jill Craybas also went through without dropping a set, beating 38-year-old former world number four Kimiko Date Krumm 6-4 6-3, while third seed Anabel Medina Garrigues saw off Mara Santangelo 7-5 6-0.
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