Lindsay Davenport dragged herself away from the poolside to beat Akiko Morigami 6-2, 6-3 yesterday to reach the Wismikak International quarter-finals.
The US defending champion, seeded third behind two-time winner Svetlana Kusnetsova and Swiss Patty Schnyder, admitted that the tropical lifestyle at this VIP beachside resort continues to seduce her.
But there was still a job to be done on court for the 30-year-old Californian.
PHOTO: AFP
"I like playing night matches," said the former world No. 1, a US Open quarter-finalist. "I just lay by the pool all day, then come over and play. It's too hot here to warm up too much. I like sleeping in and the whole Bali lifestyle."
Accompanied by a personal bodyguard, the rangy American roams freely around the grounds of the sprawling resort that boasts every comfort from Eastern massage and beauty treatments to water sports and gourmet dining.
Davenport came to life against Japan's 104th-ranked Morigami, yet to win a career title.
The challenger dropped serve twice in the opening set, but put up more resistance in the second with two love games.
Davenport began the second set with another break but lost that edge for 3-all. She raised her game with a break-back and closed out the win two games later.
"I played better today than Tuesday. She hits a nice ball, we had a clean-hitting match," Davenport said.
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