Graf, Navratilova Struggle Early Before Winning

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Top-seeded Steffi Graf and No. 2 Martina Navratilova both struggled in the early going before winning Tuesday in the second round of the $300,000 Family Circle Magazine Cup tennis tournament at Sea Pines Racquet Club.

Graf, the top-ranked women’s player in the world, defeated Rosalyn Fairbank of South Africa, 6-4, 6-3.

Navratilova was extended to three sets before defeating Laura Gildemeister of Peru, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.

No. 3 Zina Garrison withdrew from the competition Tuesday. She suffered a groin injury against Chris Evert during the Lipton International Players Championships last week.

The only seeded player to lose was No. 12 Raffaella Reggi of Italy, who fell to Jana Pospisilova of Czechoslovakia, 7-5, 6-4.

Graf’s match against Fairbank lasted 76 minutes on a hot day at stadium court. The West German fell behind, 4-3, in the first set before taking three straight games.

Graf, 19, double-faulted to end the sixth game of the second set and allow Fairbank to draw even at 3-3.

But Graf then rattled off three straight to take the set and the match.

“The first match is a little tougher than usual and you’re not as patient,” said Graf, who had a bye in the first round on Monday.

“Rosalyn was playing really well. She kept the ball in play and I really didn’t have the rhythm.”