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BEIJING. – Top seed Serena Williams stumbled her way into the third round of the China Open tennis tournament yesterday, while men’s favourites Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal powered through their opening matches.
The world number one Williams at times appeared agitated during her 6-4, 7-5 victory over Italian Francesca Schiavone, shouting at herself over lost points.
The American only showed rare moments of her trademark power-play, gaining the upper hand in the first set via a mistake from her opponent, who double-faulted on set point.
The top seed Williams was forced to become more aggressive in the second set after her serve was broken in the first game by Schiavone, Italy’s first Grand Slam winner, at Roland Garros in 2010, and the current world number 50. As the competition intensified both players’ tempers threatened to boil over, with Williams ranting and Schiavone smashing balls into the barriers at the side of the court in Beijing.
But Williams seemed calmer – and quieter – as she closed in on a hard-earned victory.
“I was able to save some energy, so I started walking slower and taking my time more. When I did that, I actually won three or four games in a row,” she said.
Her sister Venus meanwhile crashed out 6-1, 6-2 to Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki. The 12th seed Carla Suarez Navarro defeated American Lauren Davis 6-4, 6-2 to book her place in the third round.
On the men’s side, Djokovic signalled his intent to reclaim the title he won in the Chinese capital last year, sweeping aside Lukas Rosol 6-0, 6-3.
The Serbian world number one – and top seed – dumped out his Czech challenger in just 53 minutes.
Nadal, who could unseat Djokovic in the world rankings after Beijing, faced slightly more resistance from Santiago Giraldo, with the Spaniard claiming a 6-2, 6-4 win in about 90 minutes.
The second seed will now face German Philipp Kohlschreiber, while Djokovic will meet Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the second round.
Fifth seed Richard Gasquet and sixth seed Stanislas Wawrinka both safely negotiated their way through.
France’s Gasquet defeated Florian Mayer of Germany 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), while Switzerland’s Wawrinka needed three sets to overcome Italian Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Verdasco claimed victory over Somdev Devvarman of India 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 and American Sam Querrey defeated Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.
Meanwhile, Nadal said yesterday he will look back on his career with pride even if he doesn’t eclipse Roger Federer’s record 17 Grand Slam titles.
The world number two currently has 13 and has been in sizzling form this season after long-term injury. He is also closing in on the top spot in the world rankings, currently held by Novak Djokovic.
Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras reportedly said the Spaniard could overtake Federer before the 27-year-old finishes his career.
“If that happens or that not happens, the only thing I am sure is when I am going to leave this tour, I am going to be very happy about what I did,” Nadal told reporters in Beijing in response to questions about the comments from Agassi and Sampras.
Nadal believes he would need to sustain his form – and crucially his fitness – for the next four years if he is to better Federer’s Grand Slam achievements.
“I tried everything in every practice, in every match. I gave everything. When you try your best every day, that’s all that you can do. I think I did. So that’s why I am going to be happy,” Nadal said after he won his opening game at the China Open against Giraldo 6-2, 6-4.
The second seed and 2004 champion in Beijing will now face German Philipp Kohlschreiber. – AFP.
Results from the China Open in Beijing
Men’s singles 1st round
Richard Gasquet (FRA x5) bt Florian Mayer (GER) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2)
Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x6) bt Andreas Seppi (ITA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Somdev Devvarman (IND) 7-6 (8/6), 6-3
Sam Querrey (USA) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 7-6 (7-3), 6-3
Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Lukas Rosol (CZE) 6-0, 6-3
John Isner (USA x8) bt Wu Di (CHN) 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3
Marinko Matosevic (AUS) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA) 7-6 (7/5), 6-3
Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Santiago Giraldo (COL) 6-2, 6-4
Women’s singles 2nd round
Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 6-4, 7-5
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x12) bt Lauren Davis (USA) 6-4, 6-2
Sabine Lisicki (GER x13) bt Venus Williams (USA) 6-1, 6-2
Roberta Vinci (ITA x10) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN) 3-6, 6-3, 6-1
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) bt Urszula Radwanska (POL) 6-4, 6-4
Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x6) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM) 6-3, 6-1nc/sm
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