Krajicek beats Vaidisova

Charleston:

Top-seeded Nicole Vaidisova was upset by wild card Michaella Krajicek 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the Family Circle Cup on Tuesday.

It was the only the second time in her career that 17-year-old Vaidisova, ranked No. 8 in the world, entered a tour event as a top seed. Again, as she was at Memphis last year, the Czech was eliminated in her first match.

"I didn't feel in any part of the match I played well," Vaidisova said. "I wasn't really hung up on the fact I was the No 1 seed, but of course I'm disappointed."

Krajicek, sister of 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, avenged a three-set loss to Vaidisova last month at Key Biscayne.

Earlier, former champ Venus Williams defeated Australia's Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-2.

"I feel really good," said 29th-ranked Williams, playing in her fourth tournament after being sidelined for the last half of 2006 with a wrist injury. "I don't think of myself as an underdog. I just think of myself not being as highly ranked as I should be and that happens when you take time off."

Tatiana Golovin of France, who won for the first time last week at Amelia Island, advanced with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over qualifier Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia.

"I've never really played back-to-back tournaments after winning one," said Golovin, who added she has not had time to savor last week's win. She said she felt confident, but struggled because she was tired.

"You know what you can do and I'm playing well," said Golovin, who was treated for a blister on her toe during the match. "It's just a matter of how I'm going to be able to hold up physically."

Serena Williams, ranked No 11, met qualifier Chan Yung-jan of Taiwan in a late match. The Williams sisters could face off in the third round if they continue to advance.

Francesca Schiavone of Italy advanced 6-2, 2-0 when Virginia Ruano Pascual of Spain retired with a back injury.

Other first-round winners included Katarina Srebotnik of Slovenia, Sybille Bammer of Austria, and Mara Santangelo of Italy.