TIANJIN, China - Lyudmyla Kichenok dented Flavia Pennetta's hopes of qualifying for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global with a straight set victory in their first round encounter at the Tianjin Open.
Having fallen early in Beijing, Pennetta needed a good run in Tianjin, but never got going against qualifier Kichenok, dropping serve four times to succumbing, 6-3, 7-5.
"I think it was not easy for her to play against me because she doesn't know me well or even at all," Kichenok said. "For me it also wasn't easy because I have so much respect for her - she's US Open champion, she's had a great career.
"When I saw the draw I was happy. I was still playing qualifying, but I wanted to play Flavia. Honestly! It's an honor."
With Pennetta not scheduled to play next week, her hopes of hanging into the final qualification spot on the Road To Singapore leaderboard are now reliant on other results going her way.
Typical of a 1-slam wonder? 😆
www.wtatennis.com/news/article/5066807/title/kichenok-dents-pennettas-singapore-hopes 
World no.414 shocks US Open champ Flavia Pennetta
Having fallen early in Beijing, Pennetta needed a good run in Tianjin, but never got going against qualifier Kichenok, dropping serve four times to succumbing, 6-3, 7-5.
"I think it was not easy for her to play against me because she doesn't know me well or even at all," Kichenok said. "For me it also wasn't easy because I have so much respect for her - she's US Open champion, she's had a great career.
"When I saw the draw I was happy. I was still playing qualifying, but I wanted to play Flavia. Honestly! It's an honor."
With Pennetta not scheduled to play next week, her hopes of hanging into the final qualification spot on the Road To Singapore leaderboard are now reliant on other results going her way.
Typical of a 1-slam wonder? 😆
www.wtatennis.com/news/article/5066807/title/kichenok-dents-pennettas-singapore-hopes