Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated in the second round of the Porsche Grand Prix on Thursday, losing 6-4, 6-4 to Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic,
Wozniacki showed signs of still being bothered by a right ankle injury, which she sustained at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina, 10 days ago. The Danish player was forced to retire during her semifinal match there.
“I didn’t feel like I could move 100 percent,” said Wozniacki, a U.S. Open runner-up last year. “And when you can’t move, it’s difficult to win.”
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Wozniacki had a bye in the first round.
Qualifier Anna Lapushchenkova of Russia produced another upset by ousting sixth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-3, 6-3.
Fourth-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, the 2008 Stuttgart champion, eased past Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria, 6-2, 6-2.
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“I am happy to get through,” said Jankovic, who has a slight cold. She is seeking her second title of the year, following a win at Indian Wells.
Seventh-seeded Samantha Stosur of Australia rallied to beat Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 for a place in the last eight, extending her winning streak on clay to nine.
Safarova, ranked No. 38, made her second quarterfinal of the year and said she could notice Wozniacki was struggling with the injury.
“I tried to make her run and to push her around,” Safarova said. “I always need time to get used to clay but now I am playing better.”
Safarova, whose first round opponent - Selima Sfar of Tunisia - retired with an ankle injury, also served well, putting in 83 per cent of her first serve and hitting five aces.
“She was making me run and that’s why she won. I hate to lose but now it’s important to get fit,” Wozniacki said.
Stosur struggled against Dulgheru in the first set but was able to bounce back. “She played a decent game, well enough,” Stosur said. “I was frustrated but I tried to stay calm.”