Tennis: Baker narrowly misses major upset

Waikato tennis player Leanne Baker narrowly missed causing a major upset in the first round of the US$175,000 ($242,853) tier three women's tennis tournament at Strasbourg in France today.

World No 292 Baker lost 6-7 6-2 6-7 to former world No 8 Alicia Molik of Australia. Molik is currently ranked 60 in the world.

Baker lost in the second round of singles qualifying but was given a lucky loser spot in the main draw.

In doubles Baker and Australian Nicole Kriz were also knocked out in the first round by the Russian combination of Vera Dushevina and Vasilisa Bardina 2-6 6-4 10-6.

- NZPA