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Déjà vu for Safina

Russian loses again to Tanasugarn in WTA Ordina Open

Last updated: 19th June 2009

Safina: Lost to Tanasugarn again

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World number one Dinara Safina suffered a case of déjà vu as she was beaten by Tamarine Tanasugarn in the semi-finals of the WTA Ordina Open in Holland on Friday.

The Russian lost in the final of the same grasscourt tournament to the 32-year-old Thai star last year.

This time she lost 7-5, 7-5 as the Thai veteran, who has won two WTA Tour singles titles, came back from 4-2 down in the second set to win, raising her record against the top-seeded Russian to 2-1.

It was also Tamarine's first career win over a reigning world number one, although she admitted the match could have gone either way.

Difficult match

"Today was a very difficult match for both of us, especially because of the conditions - the wind kept on changing," said Tamarine.

"The match could have gone either way. I just tried to play my game and stay focused."

Tamarine, who is ranked 42 in the world, will now meet Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer in the final.

The 19-year-old, who is 30 places behind Tamarine in the world rankings, disposed of Italy's Francesca Schiavone with a hard fought 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-3 victory.