Former champion Alicia Molik (AUS) has been defeated by No.7 seed Sara Errani (ITA) in the second round of the Moorilla Hobart International.
In today’s first match on Centre Court, Errani won 92% of her first serve in the opening set before claiming a straight sets victory, 6-1 6-0 in 48 minutes.
“Alicia has been playing very good in the last month…today I played a very good match and I was focussed,” Errani said.
“I didn’t practice [yesterday] so it was strange for me to be playing this well…also they are the first matches for the year so it is not easy for anybody.”
Molik was disappointed with her performance but could take a number of positives before next week’s Australian Open.
“It wasn’t a good day today… she came out firing, she’s very good at using the heavier and cooler conditions to her advantage,” Molik said.
“Tomorrow and the next couple of days [I’ll] be hitting the court at Melbourne Park and just really working on my strengths.”
Errani will meet Shuai Peng (CHN) in the quarterfinals.