Tennis: Wickmayer heads to quarters in hot form

Yanina Wickmayer hits a forehand in her second round victory against Ioana Olaru. Photo / Getty Images

Yanina Wickmayer has advanced to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic with a comfortable victory against Ioana Olaru in straight sets 6-2 6-2 today at the ASB Tennis Centre.

The world number 16 has put her drug-test scandal of 2009 on the backburner as her powerful strokes and crisp serves have seen her through to the last eight of the Auckland tournament.

The Belgian outclassed Romanian Olaru from the baseline in their second round encounter in less than 75 minutes.

Her temperament to hold her nerve on the big points was a major factor in the victory with the third seed converting five of her seven break point opportunities while only giving up one break chance on her own serve.

The 19-year-old's performances in the ASB Classic have made plenty of spectators sit up and take notice, as she has shown little rustiness in her play despite being playing her first tournament since her one year ban was suspended.

Last year Wickmayer was entangled in a drug-test scandal for the latter half of 2009 after failing to report her whereabouts for drugs testing three times.

With Chinese star Li Na knocked out of the draw after her first round loss, Wickmayer looks to be in with a real chance of getting 2010 off to a title victory after a forgettable 2009.

She will face either French fifth seed Virginie Razzano or Japanese wildcard Kimiko Date Krumm in the quarter-finals tommorow.

- NZ HERALD STAFF