Unseeded German Julia Schruff upset top ASB Classic draw card Jelena Dokic of Australia 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 on centre court at the ASB Tennis Centre on Tuesday.
Dokic was very patchy through the first set, playing some strong forehand shots from the baseline but offering up a number of double faults and simple unforced errors.
But Schruff was just as erratic, playing some delicate drop shots but too many errors herself.
Dokic, formerly the world number four during 2002, looked sluggish and unfit compared to her former self and departs New Zealand without getting much match fitness in her comeback to top line tennis ahead of the Australian Open in two weeks.
I was very nervous and I was very tight and I think that contributed mainly to the loss today, she told reporters afterwards.
I didnt play too badly in the first set but as I got close to winning in the second I got really nervous.
I am disappointed because I think I could have won that match.
I havent played many matches but I can only get better.
Dokics serve was a mixed bag as she fired through plenty of aces that were coupled with as many double faults.
My service game let me down. It pulled my whole game down in the second set.
When asked had she served as many double faults in a match before she laughed it off by replying with, No I am getting close to Kounikova.
Schruff will play will play the winner of Tuesday nights clash between third seed Elena Likhovtseva of Russia and Akiko Morigami from Japan.
