Rezai Routs Bammer on Day 1 in Strasbourg

Aravane Rezai's 62 62 defeat of second-seeded Sybille Bammer was the surprise of Day 1 at the Internationaux de Strasbourg.

Published May 18, 2009 12:00

Rezai Routs Bammer on Day 1 in Strasbourg
Aravane Rezai

STRASBOURG, France - Aravane Rezai's 62 62 rout of second-seeded Sybille Bammer was the surprise of Day 1 at the $220,000 Internationaux de Strasbourg.

Rezai, whose best result so far this year is a semifinal showing at Auckland, lost her only previous meeting with Bammer, a former Top 20 player, in straight sets in the second round of last year's US Open. The Frenchwoman, whose next potential match-up with a seed would be against No.7 seed Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the quarters, will play the winner of Anastasiya Yakimova and Maret Ani in the round of 16.

The other two seeds in action Monday were challenged but advanced. Peng Shuai, the third seed and 2006 runner-up at this event, got past Alexa Glatch, 32 62 60.

No.4 seed Gisela Dulko, who is seeking her fourth career Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles title, defeated Mara Santangelo, 61 76(3).

Also Monday, Ayumi Morita disposed of wildcard Kinnie Laisne, 61 63, and Kristina Barrois raised her record against wildcard Irena Pavlovic to 3-0 with a 63 63 win. The final round of qualifying was also completed, with Monica Niculescu, Viktoriya Kutuzova, Yuliya Beygelzimer and Jasmin Woehr all securing main draw berths.

Tuesday's play is highlighted by three-time Strasbourg champion and No.1 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues taking on Yanina Wickmayer, who won Estoril two weeks ago. Also, No.6 seed Elena Vesnina goes against Julie Coin; Groenefeld battles Niculescu; and No.8 seed Nathalie Dechy plays Alla Kudryavtseva.

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