Safina advances with ease; last week's Rome finalist ousted in straight sets in Madrid

The Russians had a very tough third round on Wednesday, as most of them failed to advance to the next round, but Dinara Safina, the top seed, proved she could go through, as she easily defeated Li Na in straight sets.

Safina didn't have a very hard time against Na, as she won to her in straight sets, 63 76(2).

No. 3 seed Elena Dementieva was beaten by Amelie Mauresmo in three tough sets, 16 64 62.

No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who won the title in Stuttgart two weeks ago and got to the final in Rome last week, was blown off by Alona Bondarenko in easy straight sets, 63 62.

No. 8 seed Nadia Petrova was also ousted, by Patty Schnyder, in three sets, 64 67(2) 76(5).

Qualifier Vera Dushevina advanced, unlike her compatriots, after winning to Francesca Schiavone in three sets, 63 46 62.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Singles - Third Round

Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) d. (3) Elena Dementieva (RUS) 16 64 62

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. (8) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 64 67(2) 76(5)

(Q) Vera Dushevina (RUS) d. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) 63 46 62

Singles - Second Round

(1) Dinara Safina (RUS) d. Li Na (CHN) 63 76(2)

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 63 62

(7) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Shuai Peng (CHN) 64 61