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Safina spoils J.J.’s quest for No.1 spot


Jelena Jankovic’s hopes of becoming the new world No.1 are going to have to wait after Dinara Safina ran out the 7-6(3) 6-1 winner in their East West Classic semi-final.

The Serb lost the first set on a tie-break before being swept aside by Dinara Safina, whose hard-hitting game caused Jankovic problems throughout.

“My time will come” – Jelena Jankovic

Jankovic had failed to serve out the first set at 5-4, before a series of forehand errors handed Safina the tie-break. From then, Jankovic completely lost her way and Dinara Safina raced to victory.

The world No.2, who had entered the tournament despite a torn meniscus in her left knee, admitted she ran out of steam.

“Dinara played very well,” Jankovic said afterwards. “I had some chances in the first set and then I played a bad tie-breaker. In the second set, I couldn’t go anymore. My legs were shaking a little.

“I had an injury and was supposed to be out quite a long time and at least I had an opportunity to compete here, even though I wasn’t at my best.”

As for the No.1 spot, “hopefully my time will come,” Jankovic said. “It is not the end of the world.”

Safina will meet Italian Flavia Pennetta in the final after the Italian beat American wildcard Bethanie Mattek 3-6 6-2 7-5.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.