Harkleroad Edges Henke to Advance in Qualifying

American Ashley Harkleroad won a tightly-contested tiebreaker in the first set and went on to defeat Vanessa Henke of Germany, 7-6 (5), 6-2 to advance to the second round of qualifying at the 2007 Acura Classic.

Playing on Stadium Court, Harkleroad and Henke were tied at 6-6 after 46 minutes in the first set. In the tiebreak, Harkleroad took a 4-0 lead, but Henke rallied as she won five of the next six points.

At 5-5 in the tiebreak, Henke netted a forehand to give the American a set point. At 6-5, Harkleroad blasted a forehand which Henke was unable to return.

In the second set, Harkleroad took a 4-1 lead and went on to serve for the match at 5-2.
Despite losing her first match point, when she missed an easy forehand into an open court, pushing it wide, Harkleroad closed out the match as Henke hit a forehand long.

• Harkleroad is ranked 88 in the world.
• Harkleroad is making her fourth career Acura Classic appearance She reached the second round here in 2002, 2004 and 2006.
• In January, Harkleroad reached the third round of the Australian Open.
• Harkleroad reached the third round of the 2003 French Open.
• Harkleroad reached her career high ranking of 39 in 2003.
• Henke is ranked 226 in the world.
• Henke was making her second Acura Classic appearance. She lost in the first round of qualifying in 2002.

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