Safina Holds Off Martinez in Night Thriller

At the end of their two hour and 22 minute match it was Safina who gained the upper hand for a 7-6 (11), 6-4 victory in the first round of the Acura Classic.

On a cool night on Stadium Court at the La Costa Resort and Spa, Safina and Martinez played a tennis version of cat and mouse.

At 5-5 in the first set, Martinez gained a break point when she cracked a forehand down the line winner at 30-30. The Spaniard then gained a 6-5 lead when Safina double faulted.

It was déjà vu as Martinez attempted to serve out the first set. This time it was Safina hitting a down the line forehand winner to gain a 40-30 advantage. On break point, Martinez double faulted to send the set to a tiebreaker.

With Martinez leading 3-1 in the tiebreak, Safina’s hard hit forehand landed harmlessly into the net to increase Martinez’ lead to 4-1.

After she lost that point the hard-hitting Russian let out a loud scream which could have woken up guests in nearby hotel rooms, but instead, it was Safina who was awaken as she rallied to take a 5-4 lead in the tiebreak.

Neither player could gain the advantage and win two points in a row as Safina and Martinez each fought off set points.

At 11-11, Martinez hit what appeared to be a cross court winner only to see Safina hit a soft desperation backhand lob. Martinez came in for the easy overhead put away but instead put it into the net.

With the crowd cheering loudly, the Spaniard slammed her racquet to the ground in frustration.

With Safina holding a 12-11 lead, Martinez’ slice backhand fell into the net to give Safina the first set.

In the second set, Safina scored an early service break and hung on to serve out the match at 5-4.

“I don’t have experience to play night matches,” Safina said. “It’s tough for me to serve. For me it was important not to lose the tiebreaker. I really had to fight for every point.”

• Safina advances to a second-round match against Alina Jikova of Russia.
• Safina is ranked 26 in the world.
• Safina is making her Acura Classic debut.
• Safina now leads Martinez 2-0 in career head-to-head meetings
• Safina’s 2005 match improves to 22-12
• Martinez was playing in her 15th Acura Classic. She won the title here in 1995.
• Martinez is ranked 48 in the world.
• Martinez is now 20-13 in 2005.
• Martinez won the Wimbledon singles title in 1994.
  

Click Here for more Match Summaries.