Keothavong bows out in Rome
Suarez Navarro too strong…
Anne Keothavong put up a brave fight against Carla Suarez Navarro in Rome on Sunday but couldn’t find a way past the Spaniard during a tight first round encounter.
The British No.1 admitted before the first round match at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia that her opponent would provide a stern test and so it proved, the world No.24 from Gran Canaria coming through 7-6(5), 6-4.
The first set featured two breaks of serve apiece before Suarez Navarro edged the breaker 7-5.
The Spanish clay court specialist broke twice in the second set to wrap up victory in 2 hours and 2 minutes. She goes on to play eighth seed Nadia Petrova in round two.
Keothavong’s stay in the Italian capital isn’t over yet, though, as she will now focus on the doubles.
She and Japan’s Ayumi Morita will open up against Italians Alberta Brianti and Corinna Dentoni.