Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Safina upset in Toronto

The hard-hitting Aravane Rezai took advantage of top seed Dinara Safina's service difficulties in their second round match today in Toronto. There were 14 breaks of serve in the match, and Safina double-faulted 17 times. Her coach departed before the match was over so that he would not have to see his charge overwhelmed by Rezai's backhand.

Safina is now out of the running to win the U.S. Open Series. And 12th seed Flavia Pennetta, who was tied for first place in the series coming into the Rogers Cup, was also defeated today--6-3, 6-1, by Virginie Razzano. What I don't understand is why Pennetta played in Toronto: She was utterly exhausted by the time she reached the semifinals in Cincinnati, her ankle was hurt, and she had blisters on both feet. While I appreciate Pennetta's willingness to go on, no matter what--perhaps it was time for her to stop and take a rest.

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