Kuznetsova Forced Out of Fes with Injury

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Tony Chang/Chang Photography

(April 25, 2012) -- On a day that saw several women who competed for their countries in last weekend's Fed Cup ties be forced out of action with injuries in this week's WTA events, Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova joined that list after having a chance to enter the quarterfinals of the Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem in Fes, Morocco.

Facing off against Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania, No. 2 seeded Kuznetsova had no trouble early on as she closed the first set 6-1. But after jumping out to a 5-2 lead in the second, Kuznetsova sought treatment for her left thigh. Unable to serve out the set at 5-3, Kuznetsova then missed a match point opportunity on Begu's serve at 5-4.

Begu went on to claim the second set in a tiebreak and exchanged several breaks of serve with the Russian early in the third set. Kuznetsova received more treatment for her leg but was unable to continue as she retired down 6-1, 6-7, 2-3.

No. 1 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues had no troubles advancing against Mandy Minella as the Spainard won 6-2, 6-3.

Other results included No. 6 seed Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa being upset by Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 while No. 3 seed Petra Cetkovska and No. 5 seed Simona Halep both advanced with straight set wins.