June 7, 2008
Ana Ivanovic defeats Dinara Safina: 6-4, 6-3 to win her first Grand Slam Title in Paris
Third time was certainly the charm for Serbian beauty (and new World’s Number One) Ana Ivanovic. She previously fell short in the 2007 French Open final and the 2008 Australian Open final. This was a different Ivanovic.
Also, unlike a year ago where nerves seemed to overwhelm, Ivanovic displayed equal parts of cool and top quality play to quell any sophomore French final jitters. Bravo.
Unfortunately the same could not be said for Dinara. The younger sister of Marat Safin, Dinara often showed very similar characteristics to her older brother’s (in)famous fiery temper passion when frustrated. But this did not seem to affect Ivanovic in any way.
As a kid, when I used to go by bike to the practice, I used to dream of this.
- Ana Ivanovic
The title was awarded to Ivanovic by seven time grand slam champion and recent retiree Justine Henin. Perhaps a passing of the torch?
cap
2 Comments | 
life, tennis | Tagged: 2008 French Open, Ana Ivanovic, dinara safina, Roland Garros, sports, tennis | 
Permalink
Posted by cap
June 2, 2008
Roger Federer beat Julien Benneteau: 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 on Monday to reach the quarterfinals
Roger Federer needed about two and a half hours to defeat his fourth round opponent in straight sets.
Now is where it begins to get a little sticky.
Federer is scheduled to next face Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez in the quarterfinals in what will no doubt be his greatest challenge yet. Gonzalez had an easier time in his fourth round match defeating the last American left in the 2008 draw Robby Ginepri 7-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Gonzalez has previously made it to the finals of the 2007 Australian Open where his efforts were rewarded with a straight set loss to Federer. His other major career highlight has to be in the fact that he won the bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece as well as the gold medal in doubles the same year.
As long as Federer stays completely healthy and fatigue free, it looks as though he’ll have a very slightly easier time reaching his third consecutive French Open final where he’ll most likely meet Nadal… or perhaps even Djokovic?
Federer’s quarterfinal match against Gonzalez is expected to be played this Wednesday.
Sharapova needs another year to win the one grand slam title to elude her.
13th seeded Russian Dinara Safina needed a little more time than Federer to defeat the default Women’s World Number One Maria Sharapova 6-7, 7-6, 6-2. Despite taking the first set, Sharapova never looked all that comfortable in this or any of her previous matches this year on the red clay of Roland Garros.
cap
No Comments » | 
life, tennis | Tagged: 2008 French Open, dinara safina, maria sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, sports, tennis | 
Permalink
Posted by cap
