Makarova too strong for Azarenka
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, May 9, 2013
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Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova during their secondround match at the Madrid Open yesterday. |
Victoria Azarenka lost her temper and was docked a point for smashing her racket on the way to a surprise 6-1, 2-6, 3-6 defeat by unseeded Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the Madrid Open second round yesterday.
Fifth-ranked Rafael Nadal had no problems, however. Avoiding the fate that befell world No. 1 Novak Djokovic on Tuesday, the Spaniard eased past Frenchman Benoit Paire 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round.
The Belarussian world No. 3, runner-up in the last two editions of the premier clay event and coming back from an injury layoff, appeared firmly in control against her 24th-ranked opponent after cruising through the first set. However, Makarova raised her game to take the second set and after Azarenka smashed her racket on the ground at 3-3 in the decider the Australian Open champion's game fell apart and she suffered her first defeat of the year.
The umpire had already warned Azarenka at the end of the first set and when she took out her frustration on her racket she was given a point penalty.
"I just felt it was a weird call for me because I had no idea I had a code violation," she said. "But, I mean, it happened. It didn't help, for sure, but it's okay."
Playing in her first event since her withdrawal at Indian Wells in March due to an ankle injury, Azarenka, 23, said the lack of competitive action had been a factor.
One break in each set was enough for Nadal as he overcame some impressive variety and touch shown by Paire early on to break when the world No. 37 was serving at 2-3 down in the opening set, before eventually sealing it 6-3.
Paire had his only look at a break point on the Nadal serve early in the second set but couldn't take advantage, and Nadal duly booked his place against either Nicolas Almagro or Mikhail Youzhny next.
Last year's finalist and Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych advanced after beating Poland's Jerzy Janowicz 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-2.
Japanese 14th seed Kei Nishikori will face Roger Federer next after he beat Serbia's Victor Troicki 7-5, 6-2.
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