Stosur, Wozniacki advance

DUBAI (AP) ― U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur defeated Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-1 Wednesday to advance to the third round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Defending champion Caroline Wozniacki topped Romania’s Simona Halep 6-2, 6-3. Wozniacki will face Ana Ivanovic, who defeated Maria Kirilenko of Russia, 6-2, 7-6 (4).

Stosur broke twice in the first and third sets and saved all nine break points she faced in the match. She will meet Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the third round on Thursday. Jankovic defeated Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-4.

Earlier Wednesday, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the Dubai tournament because of a left ankle injury. The Australia Open champion, who has won 17 straight matches this season, says she will rest for two or three days.

“Obviously, it’s very disappointing. But, I mean, it’s life. It’s sport,” Azarenka said. “I just have to take care of it. Hopefully, it will settle down.”

Open 13

MARSEILLE, France (AP) ― Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France and Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia won in straight sets Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Open 13.

The top-seeded Frenchman did not face a break point, winning 36 of his 41 service points.

Tsonga took a 3-0 lead in the first set and broke Mahut twice in the second. He will play Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who defeated Flavio Cipolla of Italy 6-3, 6-0.

The third-seeded Tipsarevic saved six break points.