Former world number one Venus Williams showed her class with a 6-2 6-1 win over Marina Erakovic in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Championships in Miami. For Marina, it was the second time in the space of a month that she has played a former number one and the experience should be invaluable as she continues to forge ahead in her pro career. The third round result this week consolidates her place in the world’s top hundred ranked players and absolutely guarantees main draw entry to the French and Wimbledon Championships.

Marina Erakovic upset 30th seed Michaella Krajicek 6-2 3-6 6-2 to move into the third round of the Sony Ericsson Championships in Miami. Marina comes up against former world number one Venus Williams next for a place in the last sixteen.

Marina Erakovic defeated Martina Muller (Ger) 6-4 6-7 6-2 in the opening round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Marina plays #30 seed Michaella Krajicek (Ned) in the second round. The Sony Ericsson Open is generally considered to be the most important tournament on the circuit after the four Grand Slam events. This is Marina’s first appearance at the tournament.

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Marina Erakovic is now the 98th ranked player on the planet after reaching the semi-finals at Memphis last week. Marina becomes the first female player since Belinda Cordwell in the late 80’s to achieve a ranking in the top hundred on the WTA list. Her latest ranking should give her direct entry into the French Open and Wimbledon allowing her to compete for the first time at the Grand Slam events. Auckland Tennis congratulate Marina on her wonderful achievement, her success to date is just reward after so many years of hard work and dedication.

The 2008 Pascoe Cup Business-House doubles competition commences on the first week of March.  All matches will be played at the Nicholson Park complex in Poronui Street, Mt Eden.
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For tournament rules click here

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport beat Marina Erakovic 6-0 6-3 in the semi-finals of the WTA tournament at Memphis earlier today. The 31 year old Californian led 6-0 3-0 before Marina made the scoreboard when she held serve for the first time in the match. Marina’s run this week should see her enter the top hundred on the WTA rankings and become the first New Zealand female player to achieve this feat since Belinda Cordwell in the 1980’s. Auckland Tennis congratulate Marina for her superb result this week and look forward to some more exciting results in the years to come.