Britain’s top two women crashed out of the Australian Open yesterday after a tough day of competition in round two in Melbourne.
Anne Keothavong (pictured) started her game strong, winning the first set against Germany’s Andrea Petkovic, but the 30th seed pulled it back to beat her 2-6, 7-5, 6-0.
The defeat makes it the second time in her career that the British No.2 has failed to reach the third round of a grand slam.
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The defeat was clearly tough on Keothavong, although her earlier victory over Russia’s Arina Rodionova in round one will go some way to soften the blow after an injury-plagued 2010. Her win in round one should see her re-enter the top 100 in the WTA world rankings once the Grand Slam is over.
Elsewhere, Elena Baltacha went out in straight sets to former champion Justine Henin, a disappointing result after she reached the third round last year.
The world No.55’s efforts fell short against the Belgian in Melbourne however, with a 6-1, 6-3 final score.
In the third round Justine Henin is now set to face Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova whilst Andrea Petkivic will take on No.4 Venus Williams.
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
