Pierce sent packing by Benesova

Former champion Mary Pierce crashed out of the Australian Open second round in straight sets to Czech Iveta Benesova.

The tournament’s fifth seed was expected to romp home over her more inexperienced opponent but she struggled from the outset and Benesova prevailed 6-3 7-5.

The Czech, who had never made it past the second round in a grand slam tournament, won the first five games of the match en route to claiming the first set.

Pierce did find some rhythm in the second and broke Benesova to lead 5-3, only for the 22-year-old to break right back.

She then won the next three games to set up a meeting with Martina Hingis or Finn Emma Laine.

Pierce, who also boasts a French Open title, ended up hitting 41 unforced errors – 25 in the second set – to Benesova’s 19.