SPORTS

Jankovic upsets Safina for Cincinnati title

August 17, 2009 09:41 IST

A rejuvenated Jelena Jankovic upset world number one Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-2 to win the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.

The fifth-seeded Serb took advantage of an error-strewn display from the Russian to clinch her second title of the year.

"I've played some great tennis this week and it's been a while since I've done that," Jankovic said in a courtside interview.

"I came out really focused, I wanted to get the first strike and dictate, because she is a lot stronger than me."

Jankovic had come through a two-hour, 46-minute encounter with Elena Dementieva in the semi-finals but she looked the fresher and an early break was enough to give her the first set.

Safina had been the most consistent player throughout the week but her feet looked heavy and Jankovic took full advantage.

The Serb, who was ranked world number one a year ago, looked to be back to her best as she surged 3-0 ahead in the second set.

Top seed Safina showed signs of life when she hit back to trail just 3-2 but Jankovic then reeled off the next three games to clinch victory.

Source: REUTERS
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