SYDNEY -- Ai Sugiyama's preparations for the Australian Open suffered a setback Wednesday when Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy bundled her out of the first round of the Sydney International 6-2, 6-3.
The world No. 10 said she was disappointed with her performance after starting the year strongly with victory in the Australian Women's Hardcourt Championship on the Gold Coast last week.
"I thought I was ready but she was just too good for me today," she told reporters. "I think my footwork wasn't great today, also it was windy so I have to be quicker on the court."