Ivanovic starts defense run; Loit announces retirement from tennis after loss

No. 8 seed and defending champion Ana Ivanovic won her debut match at the French Open in tough straight sets, along with Nadia Petrova and Victoria Azarenka. There was also sad news for the Tour, as 30-year-old Emilie Loit retired from tennis after losing her first match.

Ivanovic was the highest seed in action on Day 1, and won a close match against Sara Errani with a score of 76(3) 63.

"I was very happy to be back on the center court. I was surprised how many people were there supporting us. It was great to see. I just enjoy competing out there," Ivanovic said. "I knew I had to work hard for my points today. I kept my composure even when I was making some mistakes. I had to work my way into the match and I'll have to work my way through the tournament."

No. 9 seed Azarenka had an easier time on court, as she won to Roberta Vinci 64 62.

No. 11 seed Petrova easily demolished wildcard Lauren Embree in easy straight setsm, 61 62.

Timea Bacsinszky rallied from 64 42 down to beat Emilie Loit, a wildcard into the draw. The Frenchwoman announced afterwards this will be her last tournament. She will still compete in the doubles tournament this coming fortnight.

"Roland Garros is the perfect place to finish my career, a tournament that has always been my favorite," commented Loit, who turns 30 in two weeks. "I'm proud of what I've done. My win in Acapulco is probably my best memory."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Singles - First Round

(8) Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d. Sara Errani (ITA) 76(3) 63

(9) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Roberta Vinci (ITA) 64 62

(11) Nadia Petrova (RUS) d. (WC) Lauren Embree (USA) 61 62

Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) d. (16) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 64 63

(Q) Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) d. (19) Kaia Kanepi (EST) 76(2) 36 62

(25) Li Na (CHN) d. Marta Domachowska (POL) 64 62

(27) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) d. Ioana Raluca Olaru (ROU) 63 62

(32) Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Julia Goerges (GER) 75 41 ret. (heat illness)

Gisela Dulko (ARG) d. Tamira Paszek (AUT) 61 63

Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Severine Brémond Beltrame (FRA) 63 63

Julie Coin (FRA) d. Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) 75 62

Kristina Barrois (GER) d. María Emilia Salerni (ARG) 36 61 62

Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS) d. Varvara Lepchenko (USA) 63 63

Timea Bacsinszky (SUI) d. (WC) Emilie Loit (FRA) 46 64 61

(Q) Arantxa Rus (NED) d. (WC) Olivia Sanchez (FRA) 61 61

(Q) Vitalia Diatchenko (RUS) d. Mathilde Johansson (FRA) 26 62 108