Jankovic survives second round battle; Russians rule the courts in Moscow on Day 4

The Russians were on fire in front of their crowds on Thursday, and set up some all-Russian quarterfinals, as Vera Zvonareva demolished Daniela Hantuchova and Nadia Petrova scored an easy win against Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets, while Jelena Jankovic survived a battle against Vera Dushevina and eventually won in three sets.

Petrova was the first Russian to join three other Russians in the quarters, as she dismissed Caroline Wozniacki, 64 32, as the Dane retired with an upper respiratory illness.

No. 7 seed Zvonareva was the next victor, as she performed perfectly against Hantuchova, 61 60, in just 51 minutes.

"I did not make unforced mistakes and was serving and returning well," said Zvonareva, who will be gunning for her first semifinal appearance at her home event when she takes on Dominika Cibulkova in the quarters. "But I know that one can only have one or two such easy matches in a season."

Jankovic, who is seeded first and came back to No. 1 at the star of this week, wasn't in her best shape today, as she battled her way past Vera Dushevina in three sets, 67(6) 63 62.

Another match was won by Flavia Pennetta, as she came back from a set down to defeat Ekaterina Makarova, 36 64 64.




Thursday, October 9, 2008

Singles - Second Round
(1) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (WC) Vera Dushevina (RUS) 67(6) 63 62
(7) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 61 60
Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 32 ret. (upper respiratory illness)
Flavia Pennetta (ITA) d. (WC) Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 36 64 64