MADRID, May 6 (AP): Maria Sharapova avoided an early exit from the Madrid Open on Tuesday, rallying to beat Christina McHale to reach the third round.
Trailing 4-1 in the final set, Sharapova steadied her erratic service game and took command again to beat the 56th-ranked American 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory on clay at the Magic Box.
Earlier, Li Na continued her recent dominance of Zheng Jie by easing into the third round 6-2, 6-3 for her fourth straight victory against her fellow Chinese player. Zheng hasn't won a set from the second-ranked Li since her last victory in 2006.
Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic also advanced with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia.
Federer pulls out of Madrid
to be with pregnant wife
MADRID, May 6 (AFP): Roger Federer has pulled out of the Madrid Masters this week as his wife Mirka is due to give birth to the couple's third child.
"I've decided to withdraw from Madrid to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family," he said on his official Facebook page. "I apologize to my fans and hope to be back in Madrid next year. I'll be training near my home, and am excited to rejoin the Tour soon!"
The 17-time Grand Slam champion's withdrawal comes just two days after world number two Novak Djokovic also pulled out of the tournament in the Spanish capital due to a wrist injury.
