• WTA

Keothavong suffers setback in Sydney

ESPN staff
January 6, 2012
Anne Keothavong fell at the first hurdle in Sydney © Getty Images
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Anne Keothavong's Australian Open celebrations suffered a setback as she failed to reach the main draw of the Apia International Sydney.

The British No. 2, who reached the second round of last year's Australian Open, fell at the first hurdle in Sydney, losing in three sets to Michaella Krajicek of Netherlands.

Seeded at No. 11 in the qualifying draw, Keothavong looked to be firmly on course for victory when she took the opening set, but her opponent bounced back to claim a 2-6 6-2 7-5 victory.

Keothavong strolled through the opening set, breaking her opponent on three occasions, but her service game deserted her as she allowed her opponent back in the match. Keothavong won just four points on her second serve, a success rate of under 30%, in contrast to Krajicek, who dropped just three points on serve.

With the match destined for a decider, the momentum was firmly with Krajicek, and a late break of serve secured the victory for the Dutch player.

Krajicek is two matches away from securing her place in the main draw - she will now face Stefanie Voegele, who beat France's Victoria Larriere 6-3 6-3.

Keothavong, meanwhile, will head to Melbourne, where she will turn her attentions to the Australian Open, which begins on January 16.

Meanwhile, Heather Watson won her opening qualifying match in Hobart, battling from a set down to beat Australian Bojana Bobusic 3-6 6-3 7-5. Watson will now meet Olivia Rogowska in the next round.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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