Shahar Peer Makes History at the Australian Open with win over Kuznetsova
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jan 20, 2007 | Print
| 
In yet another upset, Israel’s Shahar Peer has defeated third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 6-2 at the Australian Open.
Kuznetsova was the latest top seed to tumble out of Melbourne in straight sets; No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo and No. 9 Dinara Safina lost earlier on Sunday.
Peer, who is at a career high of No. 17 in the world, is competing in only her second AO and lost in the first round last season. She has steadily moved up the rankings since, with three titles in 2006, and is making her debut in a Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Not only was this win a big boost of confidence for the nineteen year-old Israeli, but she made history as the first female player from Israel to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.
Kuznetsova entered the round of sixteen match without dropping a set in her previous three matches, but like Amelie Mauresmo earlier in the day, her serve opened up the door for Peer to seize the advantage. An opening first serve percentage of 37% handed Peer five break points, of which she converted three for the opening lead of 6-4.
The second set saw Kuznetsova step up the level of her game, and drastically improve her serve, but there was no stopping Peer, who broke Kuznetsova for the fifth time to capture the win 6-4, 6-2.
She will face either Serena Williams or Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals.
If you enjoyed this tennis article, please sign up for a free subscription!
Chris | Jan 20, 2007 | Reply
Ah well Elena. You can relish in that a bunch of other top seeds lost as well. A fourth round is pretty good, after all.
rc | Jan 21, 2007 | Reply
very good site
rc
http://tradingtennis.blogspot.com
brenda goldblatt | Jan 21, 2007 | Reply
I am thrilled to see Shahar Peer win her way into the quater finals. What a great tribute to a tiny country,Israel, struggling for its existance. This will fill all Israelis and all who support that country with great pride. Thank you, Shahar. Brenda Goldblatt