TENNIS in DEPTH.

Dinara Safina, finalist in each of the last two years, lost to 39-year-old Kimiko Date Krumm in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday.

The Japanese veteran, who came out of a 12-year period of retirement in 2008, came from a set down to add to Safina’s miserable 2010, winning 3-6 6-4 7-5.

The former world number one, seeded ninth this year after slipping down the rankings due to injury and poor form, had seemed on course to break a three-match losing streak on clay when she took the first set.

And despite losing the second, Safina was still able to grab an early break of serve in the decider.

She led 4-2 before letting her advantage slip and was made to pay in full when serving in the 12th game.

Safina was broken to love as her hopes of a third consecutive final at Roland Garros ended in ignominious fashion after two hours and 34 minutes on court.

For Date Krumm, who struggled with a calf injury during the match, victory was sweet and she immediately burst into tears. Safina, meanwhile, was left to reflect that she has now lost six of her 11 matches this season.

Bookmark It