Safina reveals grand slam dream

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:36

The women’s top seed overcame tendinitis in her left knee and a powerful display from Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain to progress into the next round 7-5 6-3. She admits to struggling with the knee problem since April but it is her desire to win her first grand slam title which remains uppermost in her mind.

“It was disappointing to lose the French Open because I knew I had a good chance,” said Safina. “But this willing to win a grand slam took me over.”

She added: “I wanted so badly to win. It is not easy to go out there and have fun because it is grand slam, it is the last match and you want to win.

“I have to focus more on my game than on the result of the match.

“I saw the opportunities but the emotions took over and I was not able to deal with it. But that is the next step I have to take.

“I have to forget it and not do it any more. It was the same before the French Open final last year, I was already stressed before the match. I just have to think about a final as another match.

“To win a grand slam is my other dream. My dream as a kid was to become number one and to hold a trophy from a grand slam – it is my big dream. I know I have the potential and everything to achieve it but somehow I need to put it all together in the last match.”

Safina is clearly learning well. When asked if this year’s Wimbledon could finally satisfy her quest for grand slam glory, she replied: “I always take one match at a time. Every match I can improve. I will take it one step at a time and let’s see how far I can get this time.”

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