By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, September 24, 2014

 

Maria Sharapova became the latest big name player to exit the new Wuhan Open. Petra Kvitova remains the highest seed left after advancing in three sets.

Photo Credit: Christopher Levy

Despite the inaugural Wuhan Open's boasts that it would have the top 20 WTA players in its field, the list of seeds remaining grows shorter by the day.

No. 4 seed Maria Sharapova found herself heading home earlier than expected thanks to the inspired play of a Swiss qualifier.

Timea Bacsinszky proved up to the task in her third round match versus the reigning French Open champion. Bacsinszky edged Sharapova in a close first set before taking it 7-6(3).

Once ranked as high as No. 37 in the world, Bacsinszky continues enjoying her comeback after battling injuries for several years.

While Sharapova is known for pulling out three sets wins, multiple errors from her racquet only added to her woes. Though Sharapova served at 73 percent in the second set, she couldn't hang on to an early 3-1 lead.

Bacsinszky seized a vital break late in the match after Sharapova struck her 43rd unforced error. From there, she closed out the 7-6(3), 7-5 victory marking the best win of her career.

Kvitova Edges Countrywoman in Three Sets

No. 3 seed Petra Kvitova remains the highest seed left in the draw. That's thanks to a tough win over a fellow Czech player.

Kvitova faced off against Karolina Pliskova who won Seoul last weekend. The back and forth battle between the two big servers finally went Kvitova's way in the final set.

Kvitova won 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

No. 7 seed Angelique Kerber enjoyed a more straightforward win. She took out Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-1, 6-1.

Kerber next faces Elina Svitolina who advanced by walkover against Garbine Muguruza who was suffering from a bout of gastritis. Muguruza earlier knocked out no. 2 seed Simona Halep.