Dinara Safina Fights Past Maria Sharapova at French Open
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jun 2, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Dinara Safina was the last person to defeat world No. 1 Justine Henin before she retired, and with a touch of irony, she became the first person to defeat Henin’s successor in Paris.
The 2008 Qatar Telecom German Open champion reached the quarterfinals at the French Open on Monday with a thrilling three set win over top seed Maria Sharapova.
In an impressive display of courage and aggression, thirteenth seed Dinara Safina rallied from the brink of defeat for a 6-7(6), 7-6(5), 6-2 win.
This was not the first time she stormed back from a losing deficit against Maria Sharapova. Two years ago in the fourth round of Roland Garros, Safina trailed Sharapova 1-5 in the second set before coming back to win 7–5, 2–6, 7–5.
The match today on court Suzanne Lenglen was the best performance by two players that I have seen all tournament. Despite the 6-2 score in the third set, both women played remarkable tennis. In almost three hours of match-play, Safina posted thirty-four winners and Sharapova finished with thirty-three.
Many a player more experienced would have mentally collapsed after losing the first tie-break, but Dinara Safina deserves to be commended for her fortitude and never-give-up attitude.
Incidentally, Safina was named one of On the Baseline’s 2008 Players to Watch, and you can read OTB contributor Paula Vergara’s article about Safina here.
Safina will play her countrywoman Elena Dementieva in the quarterfinals. Five Russians advanced into the final sixteen at the French Open, something not lost on Dementieva.
“I feel like I’m playing a Russian championship not Roland Garros,” said the two-time Grand Slam finalist today after her round of sixteen victory over Russia’s Vera Zvonareva.
Although she will be facing a familiar face in the quarterfinals, Dementieva knows that she could be in for a tough match.
“I think Dinara is a great clay court player,” added Dementieva. “She did a good job in Berlin beating some top 10 players.”
Safina posted wins over Justine Henin and Serena Williams last month at the Qatar Telecom German Open in Berlin, before beating Elena Dementieva 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the final.
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Will.I.AM | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
I stayed up until 8 o’clock this morning to watch this match and then I feel asleeep after the first set. I’ve been anticipating this match since the draw was firtst announced and I’m glad it didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait to watch the replay!
JimM | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Nice article as usual Aaress
I’m entirely convinced Sharapova was 100% fit for that match. The last time I saw her serve so badly was last year with the shoulder injury. Having said that, she served for the match and choked. Safina didnt , end of story.
If Sharapova hopes to win Wimbledon she will have to get rid of that crazy ball toss. On serve it was either long or in the net.
What I would like too know is why the change if there is no problem?
Aaress Lawless | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, Jim!
I agree, something is off with Maria’s serve. She definitely struggled with her toss today against Safina.
If she posted seventeen double faults on clay at Roland Garros, I wonder what she’ll do at Wimbledon, where serving is much more key to a victory.
Question for everyone:
Now that Maria has almost taken herself out of the running for the No. 1 ranking, who do you think will take over after Roland Garros?
Renzogelico | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Aaress,
The new number one will be…..
JELENA JANKOVIC!
pov | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Sharapova’s serve has been off since Charleston. So yeah something’s up. Still, I think she lost her mental fortitude today. Perhaps the incessant crowd booing was what sealed the deal.
Aaress Lawless | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
Renzogelico, Jankovic has a great chance of being No. 1. I think it is fitting that both Ivanovic and Jankovic battling it out–at the same time—for the distinction of being No. 1.
Pov,
I agree, the crowd probably was a big factor in the match. I was not surprised to see it turn in favor of Safina during the tiebreak, but it was a bit odd that the fans didn’t rally behind Sharapova during the third set when she was trailing at 5-2.
Chair umpire Alison Lang was constantly asking the crowd to be quiet when Sharapova tried serving to stay in the match.
Aaress Lawless | Jun 2, 2008 | Reply
By the way, Renzogelico, did you see this:
http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/06/01/the-quest-for-the-no-1-ranking-in-paris/
It explains the ranking scenarios for Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, and Svetlana Kuznetsova.
JimM | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Ivanovic has had an easy passgae so far. Kuznetsova is playing her best Tennis in a long time. Jankovic’s injuries are flaring up.
“Chair umpire Alison Lang was constantly asking the crowd to be quiet when Sharapova tried serving to stay in the match.”
The Crowd had to much El Vino Collapso Aaress
Venusfan | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
I watched this match on the BBC and the British commentators completely wrote Safina off when she was 5-2 down. i was willing Safina on just to prove them wrong. it was a very exciting match. best of the tournament so far?
dapxin | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
@Venusfan
————
BBC = the most cynical tv house in the world. endof!
Alice | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
What a great match!
I heard that Maria insulted the crowd during the Mexican wave. But I dont know if this claim is with foundation. Would this explains the crowds antipathy.
Fans tend to support the underdog. But given Safina’s form of late, and the fact that the ‘cow on ice’ has never did so well on clay.. This result isnt a surprise.
Renzogelico | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Aaress,
. IMO the winner of the semi between Jelena and Ana will go on to win the title , hopefullt Jelena can win it.
I think I did see that article, but I kinda forgot most of it. Thats so much to remember . The major thing i knew was that the winner would be number one, but that’s pretty much common knowledge
Renzogelico | Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
i meant “hopefully” xD