Sania out in quarters

Shvedova and Sania started off tentatively. They only picked up the sure points. While the set saw little in terms of quality shots, the two pegged away at each other and held serve right through to force a tie-break which Sania won easily.

That, in a way, was the turning point. Shvedova was a transformed player, forcing Sania into unforced errors, even as her forehands fetched winners. The Russian raced 5-1 ahead before Sania could start to resist. Shvedova dropped another game but hung on to serve out the set 6-4.

Sania did come up with her blazing forehands at times. The double-fisted backhand was negated by the Russian’s heavily sliced returns. With double faults coming up at inopportune times, Sania was pushed to a corner from where she never wriggled out.

Serving for the match, Shvedova was confidence personified and played two sizzling backhand down the line winners. Up 40-15, she showed signs of nerves and netted an easy volley. But as Sania’s return of serve sailed long, Shvedova sunk to her knees in delight.

Yurika Sema and Melinda Czink of Hungary were shown the door by defending champion Mara Santangelo of Italy and Tzipora Obziler of Israel, respectively. The 36th ranked Santangelo took less than 60 minutes to defeat the 237th ranked qualifier Sema in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. Obziler downed Czink 6-4, 7-6 (3).