Safina sweeps to second successive tennis title
Monday, 18 May 2009
MADRID, May 17 (AFP): Women's world number one Dinara Safina claimed her second major clay title in a row here Sunday as she outclassed Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-4 to win the Madrid Masters.
The 23-year-old Russian - who lost the 2008 Roland Garros final to Ana Ivanovic - showed she is on track as a serious title contender when the French Open gets underway in a week.
Safina has figured in WTA finals over the last three weeks in the grand slam buildup, losing Stuttgart to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova but turning the tables to beat her in Rome a week ago.
Despite the humbling defeat in 1hr 48 min, Wozniacki, 19, will still make her career Top ten breakthrough in Monday's final pre-French Open rankings.
The youngster playing her fourth final of the season, won a minor Florida title in February.
Safina has quickly become a force in the game after shaking off a crisis of confidence. She emerged victorious with three breaks of serve, going through on her second match point.
The 23-year-old Russian - who lost the 2008 Roland Garros final to Ana Ivanovic - showed she is on track as a serious title contender when the French Open gets underway in a week.
Safina has figured in WTA finals over the last three weeks in the grand slam buildup, losing Stuttgart to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova but turning the tables to beat her in Rome a week ago.
Despite the humbling defeat in 1hr 48 min, Wozniacki, 19, will still make her career Top ten breakthrough in Monday's final pre-French Open rankings.
The youngster playing her fourth final of the season, won a minor Florida title in February.
Safina has quickly become a force in the game after shaking off a crisis of confidence. She emerged victorious with three breaks of serve, going through on her second match point.