By Dinny Navaratnam
Russian 22-year-old Dinara Safina claimed her ninth career title with a 6-1, 6-3 win over compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova at the Pan Pacific Open yesterday.
The win came on the back of a breakout year from Safina, who will now claim the World No. 3 ranking.
Safina was thrilled with her victory.
“I’m just feeling great. I’ve been playing here the whole week my best tennis I’ve ever played. It’s nice because it’s the first time I’m here in Tokyo. I could show my best tennis. I’m really happy this week,” she said.
Safina was able to take advantage of Kuznetsova’s second serves, winning five of her eight break point chances.
Kuznetsova put herself on the back foot in the second set, getting broken in the first game. Safina showed signs of nerves when she double faulted in the fourth game to level the scores at 2-2.
But the Beijing silver medalist was immediately able to reassert herself, breaking twice more in the set to win the title.