Dinara Safina has becomes Maria "Shriek"apova's worst nightmare on red clay.
In a match reminiscent of their 2006 French Open encounter, Maria gave up a 5-2 lead in the second set and in the set's tiebreak and also a match point to end her dream of a career Grand Slam this year falling 7-6 (6), 6-7 (5), 2-6 to her countrywoman. At the same stage in 2006, Dinara overcame a 1-5 deficit in the third set to win their match 7-5, 2-6, 7-5.
The Berlin champ will now battle spandex-loving Elena Dementieva for a spot in the final four.
Neither one of these women are great movers or defenders, so I wonder what it is about Dinara that gets into Maria's head on clay?
(image via Getty)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Dinara's deja vu: sends Maria out of Roland Garros again
Labels: Dinara Safina, French Open, tennis
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I'm still surprised Maria even made it that far. Nice work Dinara!
ReplyDeletemaybe marat knows another reason they call her shriekapova
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for Safina. I'll be thrilled equally if she, Ana, or Jelena wins.
ReplyDeletei'm not surprised maria made it to the 4th round. her will to win gets her pretty far particularly when she's not playing well.
ReplyDeletebut credit to dinara, she's def carried over the confidence from her huge berlin win.
yes if any of those ballers win i'll be happy as well - ana is looking ready to take her first major. i do like her chances when it's all said and done.
ReplyDeleteWow. That NYT article from 2006 is a blast from the past. Anna-Lena Groenefeld in a GS Quarterfinal. Who knew?
ReplyDelete...and vaidisova was but babe in the woods on her way up, defeating mauresmo + venus that year, and way before she met 'the worm'.
ReplyDeletewhatever the polar opposite is of the midas touch is what 'the worm' can offer any unsuspecting lady baller
chuckle at "Midas touch" :)
ReplyDelete