Super Safina too good
Keothavong suffers Paris defeat…
Anne Keothavong ran into an inspired Dinara Safina on Monday in the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros.
The British No.1, who today equalled her career-high ranking of No.48 in the world, was never allowed to find her way into the contest, the Russian world No.1 coming away with a 6-0, 6-0 victory in just over an hour.
After top-seeded Safina took the opening set in 30 minutes, Keothavong did have chances to get on the scoreboard but they quickly disappeared against an in-form opponent.
“I don’t think I was intimidated – I just knew I was capable of playing better tennis,” said Keothavong, who has reached three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour semi-finals this year.
“She is the number one player in the world and she can do that to anyone. Unfortunately, it was me today.
“In the end, you have to find ways to laugh about it. I’m sure there will be a few jokes about it but I can take it.
“To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. These things happen – you have to move on and forget about it.
“Had I got myself on the scoreboard, it could have been a different match. But I was always on the back foot.
“You can’t help but be aware of the scoreboard out there. When it’s happening, all you want to do is get on the scoreboard, to relax and free up.
“I am not going to walk out of here and slit my wrists. I’ve had a great week in Warsaw and I couldn’t have asked for a tougher draw here, against the in-form clay-court player of the season. It’s onwards and upwards.”
Keothavong will now concentrate on the doubles in Paris. She and German Kristina Barrois take on Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Patty Schnyder in the first round.