Share

Top-seed Ivanovic crashes out

Pattaya, Thailand - Top seed Ana Ivanovic tumbled out off the Pattaya Open on Thursday, losing in the first round to Japan's Ayumi Morita, while defending champion Daniela Hantuchova eased into round two.

Ivanovic, who has struggled to regain the form that saw her crowned world No 1 in 2008, lost in three sets (6-3, 5-7, 6-3) to Morita - ranked 47 places below her.

Their first round game was played over three days due to heavy rain which has dogged play on the hard surface in Pattaya and again made the court unplayable for periods of the morning.

Tournament late-entry Hantuchova survived a second set scare from rank outsider Olga Puchkova and eventually won 6-1, 3-6, 6-0.

In the final first round match, seventh seed Elena Vesnina beat Greek challenger Eleni Daniilidou 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.

They join Russian second seed Maria Kirilenko, Romanian Sorana Cirstea and Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round.

Results from the fourth day of the WTA Pattaya Open on Thursday (x denotes seeded player):

First round

Ayumi Morita (JPN) bt Ana Ivanovic (SRB x1) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK x6) bt Olga Puchkova (RUS) 6-1, 3-6, 6-0
Elena Vesnina (RUS x7) bt Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) 6-2, 5-7, 6-2

Second round

Ayumi Morita (JPN) bt Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1
Nina Bratchikova (RUS) bt Daniela Hantuchova (SVK x6) 6-2, 3-0 - retired
Marina Erakovic (NZL) bt Varatchaya Wongteanchai (THA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/4)
Sabine Lisicki (GER x5) bt Alexandra Panova (RUS) 7-5, 6-2
Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) bt Heather Watson (GBR x8) 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-2
Sorana Cirstea (ROM x4) bt Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) 6-0, 7-6 (7/3)
Elena Vesnina (RUS x7) bt Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
Maria Kirilenko (RUS x2) bt Luksika Kumkhum (THA) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE