World No.11 Nadia Petrova produced a listless display at the Sydney International as she was blown away by Alize Cornet.
Petrova blown away by French teenager
World No.11 Nadia Petrova produced a listless display at the Sydney International as she was blown away by French teenager Alize Cornet in straight sets.
The 18-year-old needed less than 90 minutes to see off the Russian, breaking her six times on her way to a 6-2 6-4 victory.
But despite the impressive win, Cornet believes there is room for improvement in her game - particularly if she is to achieve her aim of breaking into the top-10.
"I really have to make some more things (happen) on the court," said Cornet.
"I have to be more aggressive. I really worked hard in November, December to try to go more to the net and just try to be more aggressive.
"I try not only to defend because I think the future of women's tennis is to be at the net. I really want to do that.
Aggressive
"If I want to get into the top 10 I really have to be more aggressive because the players are better and better now. It's the only chance for me.
"I know it will be tough but I really have to dare and to try each match. I'm going to do it step by step and we'll see."
Cornet will face another Russian in the second round with the French ace now set to meet Vera Dushevina, who hammered Australian wildcard Emelyn Starr 6-0 6-1.
British No.2 Melanie South is also through to the second round after France's Marion Bartoli bowed out with a calf strain at 1-1 in the first set.
World No.4 Elena Dementieva overcame a slow start to beat fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 7-5 6-1.
Still feeling the effects of her victory over Elena Vesnina in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, Dementieva looked out of sorts early before finally settling down to set up a second-round tie with Jarmila Gajdosova.
