Estoril Open 2003 News and Events

Katarina Srebotnik
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Top seed Katarina Srebotnik began her quest for a second Estoril Open title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Spanish qualifier Arantxa Parra.

Srebotnik, who won the title at the Estadio Nacional in 1999, booked her place in the second round where she will now meet German qualifier Julia Schruff.

"It's always hard to play a qualifier because they have had match practice," said Srebotnik. "I had seen her but I had never played against her. But now that I've got the first match under my belt, I'm very happy about that."

Srebotnik, who also won the title in Acapulco in 2002, says it's nice to come back to a place with good memories. "I always like coming back here," said Srebotnik. "I've been here for the last few years but now I'm more experienced and more confident than when I first won here."

Schruff continued her good run with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over fellow qualifier Ma. Emilia Salerni of Argentina to complete the first round.

In second round action, third seed Virginie Razzano moved through to the quarterfinals after the French girl defeated Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to record her second consecutive three-set victory.

Meanwhile, Slovakia's Ludmilla Cervanova earned her place in the last eight with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over No. 8 seed Iveta Benesova and now awaits the winner of Srebotnik and Schruff.

Emmanuelle Gagliardi and Silvija Talaja also moved through to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.