Serena knocked out of China Open
Published:Thursday | October 8, 2009 | 1:01 PM
Serena Williams was knocked out of the China Open today, losing to Nadia Petrova of Russia 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 in the third round only days before officially recovering her Number One ranking.
The American will take over the top spot in the women\'s rankings from Dinara Safina on Monday.
Petrova will next faces Peng Shuai of China, who eliminated Maria Sharapova in straight sets yesterday.
Marion Bartoli of France also won, defeating Zhang Shuai of China 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.
Also, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland beat Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, and Vera Zvonareva of Russia defeated Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3, 5-7, 7-5.
In the men\'s draw, Rafael Nadal beat James Blake of the United States 7-5, 6-7, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals.
Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia also advanced to the quarterfinals, beating Lukasz Kubot of Poland 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. He will next face sixth-seeded Robin Soderling of Sweden, who defeated Tommy Robredo of Spain 6-3, 6-3.