Harkleroad Breaks Through Against Craybas

With the sun finally breaking through the overcast sky, American
Ashley Harkleroad scored a 6-2, 6-3 win over compatriot Jill Crabas
in a first-round Acura Classic match on the Grandstand.

It was Harkleroad's first victory over Craybas in four career head-to-
head meetings.

With some heavy hitting from the baseline, Harkleroad converted on
five of ten break point opportunities during the match which lasted
one-hour and nine minutes.

In the first set, Harlkeroad erased a 2-1 deficit and dropped only
six points in winning five consecutive games to wrap up the first set.

Harkleroad continued to pressure Craybas from the baseline in the
second set. At 3-3, Craybas double faulted twice and proceeded to
lose an 18-point game to drop serve.

Despite throwing in a double fault, Harkleroad held serve to increase
her lead to 5-3.
Serving to stay in the match, Craybas took a 15-0 lead, but lost the
next four points to lose the match.

Harkleroad advances to a second round match against fourth-seeded
Elena Dementieva.
Harkleroad is ranked 93 in the world.
Harkleroad is making her third career Acura Classic appearance.
In 2003, Harkleroad reached the third round of the main draw at
Roland Garros as well as girl's singles final.
Craybas is ranked 48 in the world.
Craybas was playing in her sixth career Acura Classic.
Craybas is a member of the United States Fed Cup Team.