Stosur beats Safarova in Dubai second-rounder

Category: Tennis

Publish Date: 02-22-2012 06:04 AM -0500

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur defeated Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-1 Wednesday to advance to the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The fourth-seeded Australian broke twice in the first and third sets. Stosur saved all nine break points she faced in the match.

Earlier Wednesday, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the Dubai tournament because of a left ankle injury. The Australia Open champion, who has won 17 straight matches this season, says she will rest for two or three days.

Later, No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki is scheduled to open her title defense against Simona Halep of Romania.

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