Safina downs Bondarenko in San Diego
SAN DIEGO: Once the World No. 1, Russian Dinara Safina, finally edged out the misery of defeats as she beat Alona Bondarenko by 6-1 7-6 in the first round match of the San Diego Open here late Monday.
This was Safina’s (World No 35) first victory after losing six matches on the trot.
Another Russian, Alia Kleybanova, joined Safina in the second round when she defeated French Aravane Rezai in a touch match by 6-2 5-7 6-3. Kleybanova next faces top seed Jelena Jankovic for the third round place.
Safina will now face either Agnieszka Radwanska or Chanelle Scheepers in the second round.
Safina told the post-match press conference, “I needed the win. Last week I lost a tiebreaker and in practice I lost one because I was playing defensive. Tonight I said I’m not going to play defensive and be aggressive and whatever happens, happens.”
“I think my back is fine now and every morning when I wake up and it feels good I say thanks”, said Safina.
sportsencounter.com
