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| 25 Jun 2001 | |
| The Road to Wimbledon |
Despite overpowering everyone in her path on the red clay of Roland Garros, Kaia Kanepi found the green stuff a totally different prospect. After winning the French title the No.1 seed at Roehampton admitted, “I don’t know how I’m playing at Wimbledon because it’s my first time on grass, but it’s good experience”, unfortunately for her this week she will not be getting much match practice on grass after being put out in the first round by Shuai Peng 76(3) 62.
Kanepi was not the only seed to fall foul of the grass, in the girls draw a further four seeds succumbed. No.4 seed Eva Birnerova (CZE) was beaten by Joanna Sakowicz (POL) 63 63, No.7 seed Edina Gollovits (ROM) went out to Swiss qualifier Daniella Casanova 64 46 62, Croatian Matea Mezak the No.9 seed bowed out in three sets to Neyssa Etienne (HAI) 46 64 62 and Mexican Melissa Torres, No.15 seed, must be craving for the sight of a clay court after being ousted 63 61 by Ana Vrljic (CRO).
The boys seeds fared slightly better, only three going out in the first round. No.5 seed Ytai Abougzir succumbed to Stephane Bohli, ranked 50 places lower than him, No.10 seed Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) lost in three to Markus Bayer (GER) 76(4) 26 61 and Luka Gregorc the No.14 seed was beaten by American Matthew Emery 75 63. Brian Dabul the French Open finalist and the No.3 seed at Roehampton was forced to retire injured from his match with Benjamin Balleret (FRA), thus opening up his section of the draw.
So as the sun continues to shine at Roehampton today the seeds will be hoping for a smoother path to the next round.
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