Bartoli Barters Birthday Win at WTA Tokyo
Posted on October 4, 2006TOKYO, Japan -- Marion Bartoli enjoyed a slice of her birthday cake Tuesday at the press conference following her first round victory at the AIG Japan Open. The top-seeded Frenchwoman turned 22 on Monday and was pushed to her limits the next afternoon in a 62 36 64 victory over 2002 champion Jill Craybas.
Bartoli, who reached a new career-high ranking (No.22) this week, posted some impressive results last month. She made the semifinals at Seoul last week and upset world No.9 Patty Schnyder en route to the Bali final. Bartoli's next opponent here is Vera Dushevina, a 76(3) 63 winner over Shikha Uberoi.
No.6 seed Gisela Dulko was less fortunate in her 2006 debut here. The Argentine was upset by American up-and-comer Jamea Jackson, 64 61. World No.61 Jackson made a name for herself earlier this year when she ousted Maria Sharapova on the grass courts of Birmingham on the way to her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final. Up next for the 20-year-old is either Alicia Molik or Jelena Kostanic.
Another seeded player, No.8 Meghann Shaughnessy, was sent packing on Tuesday. The American was ousted by qualifier Lilia Osterloh, 62 36 63. Japanese wild card Aiko Nakamura delighted the home crowd at Ariake Coliseum with a 63 63 victory over Danish wild card Caroline Wozniacki. Chan Yung-Jan also advanced with a 63 60 win over Julia Schruff.
On Wednesday, two-time champion and No.2 seed Ai Sugiyama faces Emma Laine on centre court.
-- WTA
Bartoli, who reached a new career-high ranking (No.22) this week, posted some impressive results last month. She made the semifinals at Seoul last week and upset world No.9 Patty Schnyder en route to the Bali final. Bartoli's next opponent here is Vera Dushevina, a 76(3) 63 winner over Shikha Uberoi.
No.6 seed Gisela Dulko was less fortunate in her 2006 debut here. The Argentine was upset by American up-and-comer Jamea Jackson, 64 61. World No.61 Jackson made a name for herself earlier this year when she ousted Maria Sharapova on the grass courts of Birmingham on the way to her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final. Up next for the 20-year-old is either Alicia Molik or Jelena Kostanic.
Another seeded player, No.8 Meghann Shaughnessy, was sent packing on Tuesday. The American was ousted by qualifier Lilia Osterloh, 62 36 63. Japanese wild card Aiko Nakamura delighted the home crowd at Ariake Coliseum with a 63 63 victory over Danish wild card Caroline Wozniacki. Chan Yung-Jan also advanced with a 63 60 win over Julia Schruff.
On Wednesday, two-time champion and No.2 seed Ai Sugiyama faces Emma Laine on centre court.
-- WTA