NEW YORK, (Reuters) – The Russian armada of potential U.S. Open champions nearly lost its kingpin when top seed Dinara Safina avoided an embarrassment of monumental proportions yesterday.
Safina, the world’s top-ranked player, produced 48 unforced errors and 11 double faults before defeating Australian wildcard Olivia Rogowska 6-7 6-2 6-4 in two hours, 35 minutes.
“I didn’t break any racket and I didn’t get a warning so that’s already a positive,” said Safina, a triple grand slam finalist whose volatile temperament is well documented.
While Safina escaped and set up a second-round encounter with Germany’s Kristina Barrois, a pair of former champions from Russia looked to add a second Open trophy to their collection.
Sixth seed and 2004 winner Svetlana Kuznetsova stomped Julia Goerges of Germany 6-3 6-2, while Maria Sharapova, the 2006 champion, was set to face Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova later yesterday under the lights.
Another Russian threat, 2004 finalist Elena Dementieva, routed Frenchwoman Camille Pin 6-1 6-2 in 59 minutes.
IN TROUBLE
It was Safina, however, who turned heads under sunny skies at Arthur Ashe Stadium and it was not because of her stellar play.
There was a buzz around Flushing Meadows when Safina was in trouble since no woman top seed has ever lost in the first round at the Open. But she avoided the ignominious defeat despite falling behind 3-0, 15-40 in the final set.
