Dinara Safina, Caroline Wozniacki advance to Madrid Open final

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Wilson Blade 9

Top seed Dinara Safina and ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki will meet in the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open final to play each other for the first time.

The world No.1 Safina defeated Patty Schnyder 6-4 6-2 in Madrid semifinals. Schnyder had defeated two Top 10 opponents in Madrid, No.10 Nadia Petrova in the third round and No.4 Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals, but she fell to Safina, who has moved into her third straight final, and will be going for her second straight title.

This week in Madrid, Safina has reached her 12th final in 20 tournaments. Also, since ascending to the top of the rankings, the Russian has posted a 13-1 record.

In the first semifinal of the day, Caroline Wozniacki beat Amelie Mauresmo 7-6(1) 6-3.

The 19-year old Wozniacki, who has since May 2008 played more matches at Tour level events (including Fed Cup) than any other player, will become the first Danish WTA player to reach the Top 10. She can even climb to No.9 if she defeats Safina in the final. Safina will stay No.1 nevertheless.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Actually, I agree with regards to Caro’s ascension to the top ten. After labouring on the courts she has capitalised on her youth and health, albeit blossoming talent to succeed in matches, and has truly convinced most that the upper eschelon of professional women’s tennis is where she now truly belongs- well at least the current state of the WTA in utter turmoil (frequency of seeded upsets) doesn’t beg to differ. Nevertheless, as a primary Dina fan and based upon the reflection of her quality and prominent wins since wo.1, I’m slanting towards yet another title leading up to Garros- What are your thoughts on the results of this match?

  2. Championship point! And she has won it! Dina prevails 6-4, 6-3 and leads 1-0 against Caro!

    давай Динара!

  3. Zuleika, I think Dinara is the biggest favorite to win Roland Garros, and I believe she totally deserves it, as well as the No.1 ranking. The only question is whether these last three tournaments, where she reached at least the finals, have drained her. What do you think?

  4. Ms. Marija that is a good point Dinara has played a lot matches before RG. If memory serves me correctly I remember Monica Seles posting a 20 wins and 3 loses during a clay season of 2000, that year she lost to Mary Pierce in the QF of RG, at least she lost to the eventual champion if it is any consolation. I think Dinara should rest this week (rest and recover), do light training next weekend and skip playing doubles in RG.

  5. Marija, I believe the only physical ailment which may arise during the RG, is her slight knee injury, nevertheless, Dina’s enhanced fitness since the beginning of the year has not failed her prospects- hopefully there shall be a lack of taping!

  6. But I’m also concerned about mental burnout, that can also be an issue. However, I’m wishing her all the best.

  7. I don’t get the feeling that Dinara will have a mental burnout. The key is that she keeps her cool on court if she doesn’t than she is done.

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