Top seed ousted in three sets; Zvonareva through in straight sets

Top seed Dinara Safina's matches became tougher and tougher after every round, and she just couldn't handle her quarterfinal opponent, who knocked the Russian out in three sets.

Safina won the first set to No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka, but then didn't have enough energy to close it out, as the Belorussian won the match to get to the semifinals, 67(4) 61 63.

The second quarterfinal of the day featured No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva and No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki. The Russian succeeded in straight sets, winning 64 62.

The other two quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, and will feature No. 5 seed Ana Ivanovic playing against No. 23 seed Sybille Bammer, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova playing against No. 7 seed Agnieszka Radwanska.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Singles - Quarterfinals

(8) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 67(4) 61 63

(4) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) d. (9) Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 64 62