Clijsters crashes out in Paris

Sania also out of the French Open singles event while Murray eases through.

PARIS:

Second-seed Kim Clijsters crashed out of the French Open beaten 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 by Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus, the world number 114.

Despite not having played a claycourt match in the run-up to Roland Garros, due to a shoulder problem and then a freak ankle injury suffered while dancing at a cousin’s wedding, Clijsters said she was ready to compete.

“I’m happy that I gave myself an opportunity,” she said. “If I had said it’s better not to come, that would be the attitude of a real loser. I had practised well. Physically everything was fine. I was definitely ready.”

Li Na sees off mystery opponent

Also making the last-32 was Chinese sixth-seed Li Na who saw off Spanish qualifier Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-4, 7-5. But Li, who was runner-up to Clijsters at the Australian Open, said she knew nothing about her 158-ranked opponent.

“I asked many players for information, but nobody helped me out with anything,” said Li. “So it was very tough, because nobody knows what this player looks and plays like.”

In another match, Indian superstar Sania Mirza was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by 12th-seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland.

Wins for Murray, Soderling

Andy Murray and Robin Soderling remained on course to challenge French Open defending champion Rafael Nadal with straight set wins.

Soderling defeated Albert Ramos of Spain 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, while Murray defeated Simone Bolleli of Italy 7-6, (7/3), 6-4, 7-5.

Ivan Ljubicic beat Sam Querrey of the United States 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 while Spain’s Fernando Verdasco ousted Xavier Malisse of Belgium 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.

‘I’m the Lady Gaga of  tennis’

Eccentric dresser Bethanie Mattek-Sands says she draws her stylistic inspiration from superstar Lady Gaga, and admits she has already started planning her outfits for Wimbledon. The 26-year-old American teamed a pink T-shirt with black shorts and socks in her 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 defeat of Varvara Lepchenko.

Mauresmo barred from mixed doubles

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo has been barred from playing the French Open mixed doubles because she is not registered in the anti-doping programme, said organisers.

Two-time grand slam champion Mauresmo, who retired in 2009, had received a wildcard to play the mixed doubles with compatriot Michael Llodra although she was not planning a comeback. Mauresmo, 31, won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, but she never found her stride on clay and therefore failed to go past the last-eight at her home slam. REUTERS

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2011.