Both Kateryna Bondarenko and Agnieszka Radwanska savored the notable Australian Open last January. However, it was only Bondarenko who remain in the singes draw today.
Battling amidst the blistering weather conditions – a fiery above 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Court 2, top-seeded Radwanska emerged as the highest seed to fall from draw, agonizing a 7-6(7), 4-6, 6-1 loss to Bondarenko.
This is the second time in 11 major appearance wherein Radwanska lost during the first round. The only other opening round exit was at the 2007 Roland Garros.
Bondarenko, who matched with older sister Alona and aimed to win the 2008 Australian Open doubles title, appalled Radwanska’ s served during the final set, winning 17 out of 22 points played on her serve also breaking four times to turn through the final set in about 27 minutes.
Radwanska was able to reach the 2008 Australian Open quarterfinals, falling behind Daniela Hantuchova. On the other hand, Bondarenko will either match against Russia’s Ekaterina Bychkova or Lourdes Dominguez Lino in the second round.
Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva compassed her winning streak to 11 matches in beating nine double faults in a 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-1 win over German player Kristina Barrois. Dementieva dived five serves but was able to make it up to 6 of her 16 break points.