noticias y fotos

Safina looks to Rafa for inspiration

Dinara Safina is delighted with the run of form that has seen her reach the finals of the last three clay court titles, and win back-to-back trophies in Rome and Madrid at the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open.

The world No.1, who said she had wanted to hold the top ranking since she first started playing and had been inspired to win the title by Spanish world No.1 Rafael Nadal.

“Nadal is my idol,” said the 23-year-old, “I try to play like him.

Safina said she had not been adversely affected by the altitude in Madrid this week because she trains in Munich, which is similarly elevated above sea level, for long periods.

Safina, who has received criticism in some quarters for not yet having won a Grand Slam despite her top ranking, said she felt vindicated by her straight-sets victory over No.9 seed Caroline Wozniacki.

“I proved that I am No.1 and the best player in Madrid this week,” said Safina. I dreamed of being No.1 for so long and now that I am I just play better and better.”

Safina said she’d felt a little fatigued coming into Madrid after playing 10-consecutive matches through Stuttgart and Rome but that she’d grown stronger as the tournament

progressed.

“At first I was a little tired but at least I had a bye and we started later in the week,” she said. “After each game I felt much better and I finished well.”