Women’s 10th seed Nadia Petrova has cruised into the third round of Australian Open 2009 after defeating India’s Sania Mirza 6-3 6-2 in just 70 minutes.
A close match was expected with the two opponents having gone head-to-head on two previous occasions. Mirza secured their 2005 clash in San Diego, while Petrova triumphed at Wimbledon in 2007.
Petrova, who made the quarterfinals of Australian Open 2006, broke Mirza’s serve in the fourth game of the first set to lead 3-1. However, the 22-year-old Mirza, who dictated play for most of the set, did well to save another break point and edge closer to the Russian at 3-5. Aided by Mirza’s 12th unforced error, Petrova eventually took the first set with a forceful backhand winner.
The second set saw Petrova assert her authority, moving her opponent around the court at will. A combination of four aces, five points won at the net and three forehand winners saw her easily clinch the set and match.
Petrova now moves on to the third round where she’ll play Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva, who won on Wednesday against Karin Knapp in straight sets, 6-4 6-1.
Quick facts
Petrova won 100 per cent of points at the net (7-for-7) to Mirza’s 80 per cent (4-for-5)
Petrova’s fastest serve was 190km/h, while Mirza’s was 169km/h
Mirza hit six forehand winners to Petrova’s five
Petrova served seven aces to Mirza’s two
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