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MASON, OH - AUGUST 14: Maria Kirilenko of Russia hits a forehand volley against Venus Williams during day four of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 14, 2012 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
© Nick Laham
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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Sara Errani struggled in the second set, but rallied for a 6-4, 7-5 win Monday over Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the first round of the New Haven Open, the final hardcourt event before the U.S. Open.
The French Open finalist and fourth seed won her first set 6-4, then rallied from a 2-5 deficit to win five consecutive games,
Maria Kirilenko of Russia had an easier time, winning her first-round match 6-2, 6-2 over Shahar Peer of Israel.
Playing in only the third WTA main draw of her career, reigning NCAA champion Nicole Gibbs also won, beating fellow qualifier Alexa Glatch 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
Third-seed Caroline Wozniacki, the four-time defending champion in New Haven, was scheduled to play her opening-round match later Monday.