Argentina’s Rising Star Moves Into Second Round

Gisela Dulko of Argentina took advantage of Venus Williams’ withdrawal and defeated Lucky Loser Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand, 6-3, 6-4 in the last match of Tuesday’s day session on Stadium Court.

Earlier in the day, Williams, who was seeded 11th, pulled out of the Acura Classic with a right wrist strain, allowing Tanasugarn, who is ranked 51 in the world, to enter the main draw.

Tanasugarn, the number qualifying one seed, had lost to American Marissa Irvin 5-7, 6-0, 7-5, in the final round of qualifying.

Dulko, a 19 year old from Buenos Aires, had a 4-3 lead in the first set and won eight consecutive points to win the set.

In the second set, the Argentine overcame an early service break and tied the set at 4-4. She then broke Tanasugarn’s serve to take a 5-4 lead.

Dulko served for the match and at 30-30 she served an ace to reach match point where moments later she hit a crisp down the line forehand winner.

• Dulko advances to a second round match against Mary Pierce of France.
• Dulko is ranked 52 in the world.
• Dulko improves her 2004 match record to 32-19.
• Dulko is making her Acura Classic debut.
• Dulko eliminated tennis legend Martina Navratilova at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year.
• Dulko is entered in the Acura Classic doubles with fellow Argentine Patricia Tarabini.
• Tanasugarn reached a career-high ranking of 19 in the world in May 2002.

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