Anne Keothavong’s fine run at the ASB Classic in Auckland came to an end on Friday, the British No.1 bowing out against Elena Vesnina.
Playing in her second career semi-final on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Keothavong edged the first set in a tie-break but was pegged back by the Russian, eventually losing 7-6(3) 1-6 5-7.
“It was obviously a big disappointment for Annie not to make her first Tour final but she fought her heart out for nearly three hours today and so nearly made it,” said Nigel Sears, Head Women’s Tennis Coach at the LTA.
“Still, it’s been a great week and a fantastic start to the year which will fill her with confidence ahead of the Australian Open.”
On her way to the last four, the 25 year-old won three rounds without dropping a set, beating Croatian Mirjana Lucic 6-4 6-2, Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 6-4 and Japanese qualifier Ayumi Morita 6-0 [retired].
As final preparation for the Aussie Open, Keothavong will make the short journey to Australia to compete in the Moorilla Hobart International where she will be joined by Sarah Borwell and Katie O’Brien.
Meanwhile, Mel South has won her opening qualifying match at the Medibank International in Sydney. Currently ranked at a career high No.110 in the world, the British No.2 defeated Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan 6-4 6-2 and will now face German Kristina Barrois.
In the men’s game, Alex Bogdanovic and Josh Goodall lost against Stephane Bohli of Switzerland and Alexandre Sidorenko of France in the doubles quarter-final at the $75k Challenger in Noumea, New Caledonia.
In Doha, Andy Murray is set to continue the defence of his Qatar Open title as he meets Roger Federer in Friday’s semi-final. The 21 year-old will be hoping for a repeat of last week’s match at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi when he beat the world No.2 in a close three setter [read more].