• BNP Paribas Open

Baltacha shocks Li Na at Indian Wells

ESPN staff
March 13, 2010
Elena Baltacha claimed her first win over a to ten player © Getty Images
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Elena Baltacha's rich vein of form continued as she claimed a stunning 7-6(8) 2-6 7-6(7) win over seventh seed Li Na of China to reach the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Baltacha had to battle through qualifying and her match sharpness helped her fight through a match that lasted almost three hours.

A tense first set tie-break went Baltacha's way but the Brit looked on her way out as Lia Na took the second with ease and raced into a 5-1 lead in the deciding breaker. However, Baltacha dug in and produced a fantastic effort to claim her first win over a to-10 ranked player.

"As the tiebreak started, she just came out with unbelievable stuff," the British No. 1 said. "I think she hit four backhand winners down the line. And I thought, 'OK, yeah, that's why you're top 10. I understand.'

"But then at 5-1, I went into the zone and I felt really strong and I just fought my heart out.They haven't experienced the conditions, they haven't experienced the court, and it can be a bit tricky for them."

Justine Henin suffered a shock 6-2 1-6 6-4 defeat to Gisela Dulko, while Maria Sharapova needed three sets to see off fellow Russsia Vera Dushevina 4-6 7-5 6-2.

In the men's section, David Nalbandian eased past Stefan Koubek 6-2, 7-6(2), while Richard Gasquet was beaten by 7-6(6), 7-6(7) by Simon Greul.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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