2011 Australian Open – Day 8
The first really big upset of the event came on Day 8 as unseeded Alexandr Dolgopolov beat No. 4 Robin Soderling in 5 sets. Soderling began the match in total control, winning the first set 6-1 in just 21 minutes. But, Dolgopolov kept coming, gaining momentum on the strength of 50 winners as Soderling wore down. In the end, it was Soderling who made 51 unforced errors and will go home much earlier than expected.
Elsewhere, No. 1 seed Rafael Nadal continued to roll, defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets. Andy Murray (5) also had a straight set victory, giving up only 5 games in his victory over Jurgen Melzer. David Ferrer (7) lost the first set to Milos Raonic before rebounding to win the next 3.
For the women, Vera Zvonareva (2) had little trouble overpowering Iveta Benesova and Kim Clijsters (3) put away Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets.
The most closely competed match for the women was Agnieszka Radwanska (12) requiring 3 full sets to put away Shuai Peng. This is Radwanska’s first time back on the courts since having foot surgery last October. Petra Kvitova (25) also needed 3 sets to down Flavia Pennetta (22).
