In a clash between two who were formerly ranked World No. 1, Kim Clijsters completely annihilated Dinara Safina of Russia, handing out a humiliating double-bagel, 6-0, 6-0.
Dinara, the Australian Open 2009 finalist, became the first former No.1 in Open era history to suffer a double bagel defeat at a Grand Slam. Dinara has struggled since returning from back injury last summer. However, she never anticipated being hammered the way she was.
Kim had come into the match with a 7-2 record against Dinara, but had dropped two out of her last three matches against her. But the Russian isn’t even close to the same level player who took out Kim on a hard court at 2009 Cincinnati, and the Belgian was never truly threatened. Kim played an incredibly clean match, nailing 17 winners and a mere four unforced errors, while the stunned Dinara only managed eight winners and committed 14 unforced errors. The three-time US Open champion was faster, more powerful, more accurate with her serve and her return.
Kim could take over the World No. 1 spot from the current World No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki if she were to win the championship.
