Kvitova Surprised As Radwanska Halts Errani in Madrid

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Kvitova Surprised As Radwanska Halts Errani in Madrid

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images Europe

(May 9th, 2012) No. 3 seed and defending champion Petra Kvitova became the highest seed to fall so far at the Mutua Madrid Open as fellow Czech Lucie Hradecka knocked her out 6-3, 6-4. While Hradecka served at a high level for most of the match, Kvitova could only manage to win six points off of her second serve on the day.

Hradecka, who's made more noise lately on the doubles court, was delighted with the win against her friend and fellow Fed Cup teammate.

"This one was a little bit strange because we are good friends, and we were even laughing with each other on the way to the court," Hradecka said afterwards. "I knew if I played strong and concentrated on my serve I had a chance to win. We know each other's games pretty well."

Hradecka will next face Russia's Ekaterina Makarova who upset fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko 6-4, 6-4.

Earlier in the day, No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska had no trouble against Italy's Sara Errani as Radwanska cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win thus snapping Errani's 16-0 win streak on clay.

"I was playing my best," Radwanska said. "I was really ready for this match. She won three tournaments on clay so she's very good on this surface."

No. 8 seed Li Na became the first player to reach the quarterfinals after she defeated No. 12 seed Angelique Kerber. After squandering five set points before winning the first set with a backhand winner, the reigning French Open champion went down an early break to Kerber before rallying to complete a 7-5, 6-4 win.

Waiting for Li Na will be top seed Victoria Azarenka who overcame a determined Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-4. Li leads the overall head to head 4 to 3, but Azarenka has won their previous two meetings including their last in the finals of Sydney this year.

Sam Stosur also joined Li in the quarterfinals after winning in rather routine fashion against Petra Cetkovska 6-3, 6-2. The Australian will next meet Makarova.