Australian shocker for Gagliardi

Emmanuelle Gagliardi in action at Melbourne Park Keystone

Any hope Switzerland's Emmanuelle Gagliardi had of winning the Australian Open has been dashed, following a shock knock-out by home talent Cindy Watson.

Ms Watson, playing on a wildcard, came from the depths of a 311 ATP ranking to make sure Gagliardi — 222 places above her — did not make it through to the third round.

Watson needed the full three sets to see off the Swiss competition and finished the match 3-6, 7-5, 6-2. Gagliardi got off to a strong start but was starting to fade by the second set.

The 23-year-old Australian rising star kept her nerve and played a solid game from the back of the court, mirroring Gagliardi’s taste for playing from the baseline.

Kratochvil out

In other Swiss action, Bern’s Michel Kratochvil, had a disappointing match losing out to Spain’s Alberto Martin 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Martin is on a roll from his win against world number one, Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt, earlier this week.

swissinfo with agencies