Daniela Hantuchova didn't stay long in Doha at the 2012 Qatar Open. The tournament's No. 15 seed didn't advance past the first round, despite a three-hour match.
Qatar Open 2012 Results Day 1: Daniela Hantuchova, Sabine Lisicki Knocked From Doha
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Hantuchova was defeated by Romanian Simona Halep, ranked No. 62 in the WTA list. The match took two hours and 32 minutes, in Halep's favor 3-6, 6-2 7-6 (4).
From the AFP:
“This is one of the best wins of my career, she is a good player, but I’m happy to go into the second round,” said Halep after beating the 15th seed.
But Hantuchova isn't the only tournament seed to take an early exit. No. 9 Sabine Lisicki who was ousted by countrywoman Angelique Kerber, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Kerber won the Paris Open on Sunday. It's her fourth time in four matches that Kerber has defeated Lisicki.
The top eight players were already into the second round after receiving first-round byes. They begin play on Wednesday. Those seeds include world No. 1 Victoria Azaranka and former world No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki.
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