First day in Zurich kicks off; three Europeans through to second round

As the Zurich Open kicked off on Monday, all three matches were completed, as a Ukrainian, a Belorussian, and a Russian succeeded in their first round matches.

No. 8 seed Daniela Hantuchova was the first seed on the courts, but she failed to pass her opening match test, as the Slovak lost to Maria Kirilenko, 75 62.

"I think we both started off with not much rhythm and as the match went on I felt a little better," Kirilenko said. "I called the physio on court at 5-4 because my knee was hurting and she had a blister or something. After that break it seemed to help me as I won five games in a row and she started making a lot of mistakes.

"I knew I would have a chance to win if I could keep more balls in play than her and that's what I did. It worked out quite well for me in the end," added the Russian after her 75 62 win.

Alize Cornet was next on the court, as she too had the same failure as Hantuchova, losing to Alona Bondarenko, 16 63 76(6).

Amelie Mauresmo didn't make it to the second round, as she succumbed to Victoria Azarenka, 62 61.


Monday, October 13, 2008

Singles - First Round
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) d. (8) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 75 62
Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 62 61
Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 16 63 76(6)