Safina battles through to second round

Dinara Safina battles through to the second round of the 600,000-dollar WTA Paris Open, beating Michaella Krajicek 6-4, 7-5.

Seventh seed Dinara Safina struggled to find her rhythm early on but eventually battled through to the second round of the 600,000-dollar WTA Paris Open, beating Michaella Krajicek 6-4, 7-5.

HT Image

In a clash between two sisters of considerably more famous tennis-playing brothers, a solitary break of serve in each set sufficed to send the Russian through at the expense of the Dutchwoman.

Safina, who was champion in Paris in 2005, made the most of a loose ninth game from Krajicek before serving out for the set at the first opportunity.

The second set followed a similar pattern but this time it was a poor 11th game from Krajicek that handed her opponent another break and Safina served out the match despite dropping to 15-30 in the final game.

The Russian has been in fine form this year, claiming the Gold Coast title last month by beating Martina Hingis in the final.

"This was a tough first round, she's a good player and I lost to her the last time," said Safina.

"I tried to stay focussed and just play my game."

Safina won a thrilling three-set battle against world number three and home favourite Amelie Mauresmo in 2005 before the French woman claimed the title for the second time last year.

"This tournament has always been good for me. The first time I came here I reached the semi-finals," added Safina.

"The people working here are very nice so it feels like a little family and it's really nice to always come back here."