Tuesday First Round Action

WC Daniela Hantuchova def. WC Alexandra Stevenson 6-3, Retired
Previous head-to-head: Stevenson leads 1-0 (99 Birmingham)

After dropping the first set at 6-3, Alexandra Steven retired from her match due to a recurring right hamstring strain. Stevenson had visible problems moving around the court, however her young Slovakian opponent was able to handle Stevenson's powerful serve. Hantuchova faces fourth seed Nathalie Tauziat in the second round.

Nicole Pratt def. Ai Sugiyama 6-2, 7-5
Previous head-to-head: Pratt leads 2-0 (00 Amelia Island)

The Australian journeywoman Nicole Pratt utilized her carefully selected groundstrokes to increase her record to 3-0 lifetime against Japanese opponent Ai Sugiyama. Both players have had so-so years in 2000 with their singles games. Coming into the Advanta, Pratt was 25-28 while Sugiyama was 20-24. Sugiyama and Pratt have excellent doubles games and this match was brought out those skills.

Anna Kournikova def. Mashona Washington 6-2, 6-0
Previous head-to-head: First Meeting

In a mere 46 minutes, Anna Kournikova shook her jinx of losing in the first round at the Advanta by defeating Mashona Washington with ease. Kournikova's presence brought the fans out in droves, attempting to gather pictures of the photogenic player. Anna was all business on the court, with her powerful groundstrokes dictating play.

Chanda Rubin def. Amy Frazier 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
Previous head-to-head: Rubin leads 3-1 (00 Hobart)

In the second match of the evening session, fans were treated to an excellent three set match between to very experienced American players. Both have wonderful ground court games very much suited to the fast indoor surfaces. In one previous meeting in Philadelphia (1994), Chanda Rubin had an easier time winning her match against Amy Frazier with a score of 6-1, 6-1. However, last evening was a much more different game. Rubin's powerful groundstrokes and serve were the deciding factor in this match, though Frazier did not give an inch until the mere end.

In doubles action, Slovian Petra Rampre and American Meghann Shaughnessy defeated Amanda Coetzer and Lori McNeil, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, Conchita Martinez/Patricia Tarabini had a walkover because of Alexandra Stevenson's retiring in her singles match. Lindsay Davenport and Kimberly Po defeated Els Callens and Sonya Jeyseelan 6-4, 6-1 and Alexandra Fusai/Nathalie Tauziat defeated Erika De Lone/Nicole Pratt 6-3, 6-3.