Peer progresses in Australia
Gold Coast, Australia - Shahar Peer upheld her fifth seeding with an opening victory on a rain-plagued day at the Mondial Hardcourts on Sunday, defeating American Julie Ditty 3-6, 6-0, 6-2.
Peer from Israel, recovered from a set down to reach the second round at the first women’s event of the WTA season. ‘The field is very tough for a Tier III (level),’ said Peer. ‘Julie was playing well, I had a lot of trouble with her. ‘I arrived on Tuesday morning so I’ve been here a few days. I’m slowly slowly, slowly getting my game together,
not everything can come in one match.’ Former winner Nathalie Dechy of France began 2008 with a win as she put out China’s Yan Zi 6-2, 6-2 in the Beijing Olympic year. But ex-champion Ai Sugiyama of Japan exited at the hands of 18-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-2, 6-3. Former number one Amelie Mauresmo will make her start on New Year’s eve in north Queensland, opening against Ukrainian qualifier Olga Savchuk. Fans will get a fireworks display when matches are done to bring in the new year. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur