Top seed Safina humiliated by vintage Venus

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 11:37

Dinara Safina was left looking anything but the world No.1 and tournament top seed after a crushing 6-1 6-0 defeat at the hands of defending champion Venus Williams.

Following her sister’s victory in the longest semi-final in Wimbledon history, Williams put the Russian to the sword with the most comprehensive win at this stage of the tournament since Billie Jean King beat Rosie Casals for the loss of a single game in 1969.

Five-time champion Venus needed only 51 minutes to demolish Safina, who lost in the Australian Open and French Open finals this year. The world No.1 won only 20 points all match and mustered only a solitary break point.

“I have to swallow this defeat but it’s not the end of the world”

Incredibly, Williams hit just one unforced error in the match, while Safina gave up 16, spraying the ball long and wide to gift Venus her eighth final appearance.

“She’s just too good on grass,” said a resigned Safina, who lost to Venus’ sister Serena in the Australian Open final, afterwards. “It’s not my favourite surface and it’s her favourite surface.”

“Oh my God, this is my eighth final, and it’s a dream come to true to be here again and have the opportunity to hold the plate up,” Venus said. “I went out there and I was able to really stay focused. I have so much experience on this court – it helps a lot.”

Questions were inevitably raised about whether or not Safina is a worthy world No.1. But the Russian pointed to her four semi-final and two final appearances in the the last four slams, defending her consistency despite the high-profile defeats that have undermined her status.

“It’s definitely disappointing, finishing the match less than one hour and winning only one game. I have to swallow this defeat but it’s not the end of the world.”

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