Israel's top tennis player defeats Russian qualifier Vasilisa Bardina 6-2, 6-2.
By ALLON SINAIpeer hits 298.88 ap(photo credit: AP)
Shahar Pe'er cruised into the second round, defeating Russian qualifier Vasilisa Bardina 6-2, 6-2.
The Israeli, who climbed to a career high No. 21 in the latest WTA Tour singles rankings, will face Martina Muller (49) of Germany in the second round. After splitting the first four games, Pe'er broke Bardina's (80) serve for the first time in the match to take a 3-2 lead.
The break was the start of a seven-game win streak that gave the Israeli a stranglehold on the match. Pe'er was broken for the first time in the fourth game of the second set, but broke back immediately to take a 4-1 lead. The Israeli and German continued to exchange breaks until Pe'er finally held her serve to clinch the set 6-2.
Anna Smashnova was scheduled to play her first round match later Monday against seventh-seeded Patty Schnyder. Smashnova was the biggest Israeli mover in the new world rankings, climbing to No. 46.
The Israeli reached the final of the Forest Hills ITF women's circuit event on Sunday and despite losing to American Meghann Shaughnessy in three sets still ascended 16 places in the rankings.
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