Higher and higher

(Foto: Getty Images)

Due to the fact that Andrea Petkovic reached the round of sixteen at the WTA tournaments in Rome and Madrid, the German made a big jump. The 22 year old improved to number 40 (as of May 17th 2010).

In Madrid Andrea defeated two Italian players ranked higher than her: Sara Errani and Flavia Penetta. She then lost to French woman Aravane Rezai, who later claimed the title in the Spanish capital. In that match Petkovic was already down 1:6 in the tie-break of the second set. After fending off seven match-balls, Petkovic finally had to bow out of the match. (Highlights of the game can be seen here). There was a little consolation prize for Andrea. She received the honour "shot of the day" for a nice overhand smash.

In Rome Petkovic advanced after victories against Vera Dushevina and Petra Kvitova. In the round of sixteen she had to square of against the world’s number one. Andrea gave Serena Williams a tough fight, forcing the American into a third set. But eventually she lost 2:6, 6:3, 0:6. (Highlights of the game can be seen here)