Hantuchova defiant despite loss

Bank of the West Classic

Results

Hantuchova has not yet reached a final this year

Daniela Hantuchova was defiant after another defeat reopened the debate over her weight.

The Slovakian's dismal run of form continued when she crashed out in the second round to Amy Frazier.

And Jennifer Capriati claimed Hantuchova is struggling to deal with the constant questions surrounding her health.

Hantuchova has made just one semi-final appearance this year, back in February, and has failed to win two successive matches since early May.

And the 20-year-old fourth seed could not turn things around against Frazier, going down 6-2 6-4.

Third seed Capriati, who is due to play doubles with Hantuchova, claimed the world number nine has been affected by criticism of her frail physique.

"I think everything was going fine for her until there was all that talk about her weight and modelling," said Capriati.

"It's inevitable that it's going to get you. She has to try to not let it get into her head and try her hardest to block it out."

But Hantuchova insisted that her results were a result of her improved standing in the game.

"Once on court and it's up to me 100%, I think I have proved that I'm physically fine with all the long matches that I've played," she said.

"It's just that last year when I was playing so well I was new and was the hunter. Now I'm the hunted one."

Capriati was forced to battle before overcoming talented Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli.

The American took the first set but a lapse in the second set allowed her 18-year-old opponent back into the match.

However, Capriati settled herself in the decider and ran out a 6-2 4-6 6-1 winner to book her quarter-final place.

Fifth seeded Jelena Dokic joined Capriati in the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Alexandra Stevenson who strained her right shoulder.