• Western & Southern Open

Wozniacki suffers shock defeat in front of McIlroy

ESPN staff
August 17, 2011
Rory McIlroy couldn't inspire Caroline Wozniacki to victory © Getty Images
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In front of her rumoured boyfriend Rory McIlroy, Caroline Wozniacki suffered a shock defeat to Christina McHale in the second round of the Western & Southern Open.

World No. 1 Wozniacki also lasted just one match at the Rogers Cup last week and, after losing to wildcard entrant McHale, must now face serious questions about her form as she prepares to clinch a maiden grand slam at the US Open later this month.

Nineteen-year-old American McHale, ranked 75 places below her celebrated opponent, needed one hour and 57 minutes to complete a 6-4 7-5 win - only the 12th loss Wozniacki has suffered on the WTA Tour this year.

It was an uncharacteristically sluggish performance from Wozniacki, who served poorly and didn't return the ball with any menace, allowing McHale to claim five breaks overall - and a notable scalp.

The Dane can console herself with the prospect of spending more time with McIlroy, who finished well down the field at last week's US PGA Championship after injuring his wrist early in his first round.

Former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, the 15th seed, followed Wozniacki out of the tournament after losing 6-3 7-6(4) to Nadia Petrova. Ivanovic allowed her opponent to claim five breaks, meaning she now leads the 11-match series between the pair, regular adversaries down the years, by just one. Yanina Wickmayer, the 17th seed, fell 3-6 6-2 6-2 to qualifier Petra Martic.

No such trouble for No. 7 seed Francesca Schiavone, who beat Maria Kirilenko 7-5 3-6 6-4, while Svetlana Kuznetsova overcame Petra Cetkovska 4-6 6-3 6-4 and Jelena Jankovic defeated Jie Zheng 4-6 6-3 6-1.

Vera Zvonareva, the highest-ranked player in the tournament following Wozniacki's exit, justified her top billing by crushing Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-0 in just 70 minutes, winning 26 of the 40 points contested in the second set.

Ninth seed Andrea Petkovic breezed by Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson, recording a 6-2 6-4 win, despite Arvidsson firing down six aces during the match. Daniela Hantuchova was another comfortable winner as she defeated Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-4.

It was announced on Wednesday that Serena Williams is out of the tournament due to a toe injury, meaning Sam Stosur moves through unchallenged into the third round.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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