(Stuttgart, Germany) The favourites all made it to the next round in Thursday’s play at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, but there was also huge surprise. The world No 1 Justine Henin of Belgium, last year’s winner Nadia Petrova of Russia, Serbian Jelena Jankovic and Russian Elena Dementieva of Russia all moved into the quarterfinals. However, Ana Ivanovic of Serbia was unexpectedly knocked out by Ukrainian qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko. Favourite Justine Henin, the 25-year-old Belgian beat the Russian Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-1. Henin’s next opponent Elena Dementieva overcame Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-4, 6-4.

“I’m pleased with the way my first match went,” Henin said. “I was ill and took a three week break so it’s not that easy finding one’s rhythm again. “Nevertheless, I feel fresh and fit. After having to pull out of the Australian Open the season doesn’t seem to be quite so long as it otherwise is. I’m not thinking about holidays at the moment and it’s a good sign. I’m just happy to be playing in this great arena. For us players there are only tough matches here as the field is so strong. But for the crowd, which has been so nice to me, it’s obviously marvellous.”  Justine Henin through to next round in Stuttgart

Henin’s next opponent Elena Dementieva, overcame Daniela Hantuchova  of Slovakia  6-4, 6-4. “I’ve often played against Justine and if you look at the statistics then I’ve got no chance,” Dementieva was looking forward to the meeting with the Belgian, “but it doesn’t worry me. I don’t bother about statistics.”
 
Qualifier Kateryna Bondarenko caused a huge upset when she ousted world No 5 Ana Ivanovic in three sets 6-2, 1-6 and 6-3. It was the 21-year-old Ukrainian’s fifth match in Stuttgart and she is now up against Frenchwoman Tatiana Golovin in the quarterfinals. “My fan club presented me with a lucky mascot this morning and it brought me luck,” said the world No 46, who is also in the doubles quarterfinals with her sister Alona. “The win against Ana is my biggest one on the tour up to now. It didn’t really surprise me as I prepared very hard for the tournament.”

Ana Ivanovic, the winner of last week’s event in Luxemburg, was very disappointed. “It’s such a pity I’m out of the Porsche,” the Serbian said, “but Kateryna was simply much better today. She always had answers to my questions.”

Last year’s winner Nadia Petrova defeated qualifier Michaëlla Krajicek of The Netherlands, 6-1 and 6-3 and will now meet the world No 3 Jelena Jankovic. The Serbian defeated Israel’s Shahar Peer 4-6, 6-1 and 6-3.