• BNP Paribas Open

Goerges too good for battling Baltacha

ESPN staff
March 7, 2012
Elena Baltacha bowed out in California © Getty Images
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Elena Baltacha bowed out at the second round stage of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after she was beaten in straight sets by Germany's Julia Goerges.

The British No. 1 gave a good account of herself against the No. 14 seed, but fell 6-3 6-2 at Indian Wells.

After a solid start, Baltacha was broken in the eighth game as Goerges grabbed the opening set, before claiming a double break in the second to close out victory.

"It always hurts to lose but congratulations to Julia Georges on her win today," Baltacha wrote on her Facebook page. "It's been a frustrating time lately because I've changed a few things in my game and sometimes the results don't come straight away but I feel like it's getting there now. I'll definitely take a bit more confidence with me into my next tournament."

Victoria Azarenka battled her way past Mona Barthel, despite hitting 12 double-faults in the second-round contest. The world No. 1 ultimately prevailed 6-4 6-7(4) 7-6(6) in a match which lasted three hours.

Fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska had an easier time against Sorana Cirstea, earning a 6-2 6-4 victory. Radwanska required 80 minutes to progress, although the Pole did have her serve broken three times.

Petra Kvitova eased past Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Although the Wimbledon champion did suffer a scare as her serve was broken early in the second set, Kvitova bounced back in style to win 6-1 6-3.

Meanwhile, there was a major upset as local favourite Jamie Hampton dumped out 2010 champion Jelena Jankovic 6-4 6-3. The American No. 7, ranked just inside the world's top 100, will now face Jarmila Gajdosova who rallied from a set down to beat last year's semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer 2-6 6-2 6-4.

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