Jun 04, 2012 01:21 AM EDT
French Open: Azarenka Exits, Djokovic Survives Scare

Victoria Azarenka suffered a shock exit as Novak Djokovic survived by the skin of his teeth to advance at the French Open on a dramatic Sunday.

Azarenka, the world number one and Australian Open champion, went down tamely to Dominika Cibulkova 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).

When asked what she was going to do after the loss, Azarenka responded sarcastically. "I'm going to kill myself."

"This tournament is over for me. What's to recover from? It's time to really look forward and improve. That's it."

Azarenka has had a tough time on the red clay of Roland Garros, almost going out in the first round before fighting back. "Before, I was at least making something happen myself.

"Today I couldn't do it. All I could hope for is for her to make a mistake. I couldn't make anything myself today."

Cibulkova will face Samantha Stosur who ended American Sloane Stephens' impressive run. Stosur won 7-5, 6-4.

Svetlana Kuznetsova and Caroline Wozniacki also saw their campaigns come to an end. Kuznetsova lost 6-0, 7-5 to Italian Sara Errani while former world number one Caroline Wozniacki went down to Kaia Kanepi 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3.

Wozniacki was angry with several line decisions, which she felt went against her. "It's a disgrace mistakes like this are made," an irate Wozniacki said after the match.

"If they cannot see, they should have other umpires on the lines or bring in Hawk-Eye on these courts."

In the men's draw Novak Djokovic avoided a big upset, coming back from two sets down to edge out Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 7-5, 6-3. Roger Federer also had to tough it out, eventually prevailing 5-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 over lucky loser David Goffin.

"I played very badly, but I won thanks to my fighting spirit," said a relieved Djokovic.

"He was the better player for the first two sets and I was fortunate to come through. But even at two sets down, I still believed I could do it and that's about the only positive I can take. It was one of those days when nothing worked."

Loading ...
 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

featured articles    

Killerspin Revolution SVR Table Review

Tips for Returning to Sport Safely During the Pandemic

Maven Acquires Sports Illustrated, Taps Ross Levinsohn as CEO

How You Can Save Money on Kids' Sports Clothes Using Discount Coupons

Ways to Keep Your Body Physically and Mentally Healthy

How to Choose the Best Catcher's Bag