By Dinny Navaratnam
Amelie Mauresmo’s dramatic fall from grace continued overnight, falling to Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the China Open.
It was Mauresmo’s third loss to the teenager this year.
The Frenchwoman later revealed she was frustrated with her string of poor performances.
“It is really tough to lose again in the first round here,” the former World No. 1 said.
The win ended a good day for Slovakia, with seventh-seed Daniela Hantuchova earlier downing Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-1 in a dominating display.
Spain ’s Anabel Medina Garrigues was able to claim an upset victory over Poland’s rising star Caroline Wozniacki 7-6(3), 6-4.
It was a disappointing loss for the ninth-seed, who is looking to make it to the end-of-year Sony Ericsson Championships.