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Latest 5 Jan 2016

Top seeds knocked out of ASB Classic The two top seeds were knocked out of the ASB Classic today in the first round of the women's singles.

In a three set epic the defending champion Venus Williams was knocked out of the ASB Classic by former French Open junior champion Daria Kasatkina 7-6, 3-6, 3-6 in the first round. 35-year-old Williams’ unforced errors cost her the match.

Daria Kasatkina of Russia said “I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. It was an unbelievable match for me.”

“She is an amazing player and I respect her so much.” Said a stunned Kasatkina.

Venus Williams was very gracious in defeat after having an off day but she hopes to stay in Auckland for a few days longer to enjoy a relaxed build up to the Australian Open.

The second seed Ana Ivanovic was squeezed out out of the Auckland tournament by Naomi Broady from Great Britain in two sets which took just over an hour and twenty minutes. The final score was 7-5, 6-4.











