Serena ousted in debut match in three sets, will be replaced by Safina as No. 1 rank

Today the top seed at the Andalucia Tennis Experience suffered a first round defeat, as Serena Williams was knocked out in three sets by Czech Klara Zakopalova, as the first round wrapped up, and the second round took action on Wednesday.

The American had just lost in the final in Miami last week, and had hoped to get her shape back, but lost to Zakopalova with a score of 64 36 61.

No. 2 in the world Dinara Safina, who is not playing here in Marbella, will rise to No. 1 for the first time, and will make history by becoming the first brother-sister No. 1 pair, alongside Marat Safin.

The other first round winner was No. 3 seed and wildcard Kaia Kanepi, who crushed Spanish lucky loser Silvia Soler Espinosa 64 62.

The second round winners of the day were No. 4 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, who ousted Virginia Ruano Pascual 62 63; No. 7 seed Sorana Cirstea, who won to Andreja Klepac in three sets, 46 61 61; and Roberta Vinci, who prolonged Nicole Vaidisova's losing streak after winning 63 63.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Singles - Second Round

(4) Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) d. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) 62 63

(7) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) d. Andreja Klepac (SLO) 46 61 61

Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) 63 63

Singles - First Round

Klara Zakopalova (CZE) d. (1) Serena Williams (USA) 64 36 61

(3/WC) Kaia Kanepi (EST) d. (LL) Sílvia Soler Espinosa (ESP) 64 62