In the first set of their French Open quarterfinal, Victoria Azarenka threw everything she had at world number 1 Dinara Safina. Playing practically flawless tennis and making only one unforced error, the 9th seed made it difficult for Safina to do much of anything. Azarenka dictated every point, used the net to her advantage, and appeared everywhere on court she needed to be without missing a step.
That kind of play cannot last, and it didn't. After winning the first set 6-1, Azarenka came back down to Earth and started making errors. Whether Safina got herself together during the break or whether she simply saw an opening and took it--I don't know. But she became more sure of herself in the middle set, and as her confidence grew, she became more focused, and her shots became more precise. She went up 4-1, but her opponent then staged a comeback to even the score. At 4-all, however, the top seed began to look like Dinara Safina again, taking charge, and also taking the set, 6-4. The third set was all Safina, with Azarenka melting down in frustration and anger, muttering and pounding her racquet into the clay. The world number 1 claimed that set 6-2, and thus claimed the match.
As a rule, Safina prefers to be a set and 2-5 down before she takes it to a tough opponent. Today was a little different: She was a terrible set down and tied at 4-all. Still a Thrill Ride.
Photo of Safina courtesy of Angelica
Ferris wheel image provided by Classroom Clipart
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