Dubai: Ivanovic upsets Halep, no seeds remain

Published by AP

Ana Ivanovic in action during her first round victory over No.1 seed Simona Halep at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships; Getty Images

Defending champion and top-seeded Simona Halep of Romania was ousted by Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 7-6(2) 6-2 at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Wednesday.

The third-ranked Halep had a set point when serving at 5-4 for the first set, but netted a backhand to squander the opportunity.

The 17th-ranked Ivanovic broke Halep’s serve in the first game of the second set to reach the Dubai quarterfinals for the fourth time in her career.

With Halep’s defeat followed by losses to Garbine Muguruza and Petra Kvitova, not one seed remains in the Dubai draw.

All eight seeds lost their opening matches.

Kvitova fell 0-6 7-6(1) 6-3 to Madison Brengle while Muguruza was banished by Elina Svitolina in straight sets.

France’s Caroline Garcia upset Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 4-6 6-4 6-3 earlier on Wednesday.

Garcia was four points from victory at 5-3 15-15 in the third set when a hailstorm swept the area, suspending play for 3 hours, 39 minutes.

Garcia ate and slept during the delay and closed out the match when they returned.

“I stay positive all the match,” said Garcia. “It works well. Very happy to finish it.”

Barbora Strycova of Czech Republic trailed by a set and a break before defeating Julia Goerges of Germany 2-6 6-3 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.

“I can’t believe how slow I started, but I’m happy that I got the win,” Strycova said. “I wasn’t feeling well at the beginning but I pulled though in my head. It was tough.”

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