Former world number one Dinara Safina ended a six match losing streak by beating Alona Bondarenko 6-1 7-6 in the first round of the San Diego Open on Monday. Safina was joined in the second round by another Russian, Alisa Kleybanova, who overcame Aravane Rezai of France 6-2 5-7 6-3 to earn herself a match up against top seed Jelena Jankovic.
Safina, who has slumped to number 35 in the rankings after struggling with a back injury this year, proved too strong for her Ukrainian opponent The Russian will play either fourth-seed Agnieszka Radwanska or Chanelle Scheepers in the next round. Safina came out on top in a number of crosscourt backhand rallies and kept her composure as Bondarenko frequently lost her temper, smacking her racket on the court time and time again.
Bondarenko was able to push the Russian into a second set tiebreaker but Safina wrestled control quickly, ripping three crisp winners to win it 7-2 when Bondarenko produced a forehand error. "I needed the win," "Safina said. "Last week I lost a tiebreaker and in practice I lost one because I was playing defensive. Tonight I said I'm not going to play defensive and be aggressive and whatever happens, happens.