Was Safina's win at German Open a result of a practice run for Rolland Garros?

Question

Could it be that the top players at the German Open used Safina as a warm-up dummy so they can reserve their best for the French Open?

Answer 1

No, it wasn't a practice run, they just lose.  Energy was used to win, not to lose.

Answer 2

Could be, of course.



Firstly, that tournament offers 200,000 dollars to the winner. Secondly, and maybe the BIGGEST issue here... Is the confidence that the players get from big wins.  Safina will feel much more comfortable and confidence going into the tournament after beating Henin, Serena, and Dementieva... It will be a HUGE confidence boost.



I don't think the big players like that. The worst thing a big player can do is let other players below them feel as though they can play with the "big girls". Confidence is an amazing weapon, it really is.

Secondly... 7-6 in the third with Serena? I don't think Serena would waste that much energy, ect on a "warm-up dummy"

Just my opinion. I thought Safina was awsome. She wasn't a one trick pony. She added drop shots and a transition/net game to her tool box which was the reason she won in the finals. It was awsome. Congrats to her.

Answer 3

yes.. it could be... she has beaten 3 top 10 players last week... it could give her more confidence in the FO... Safina showed the people her maturity on the sport and also showed her best on clay court surfaces...

Answer 4

Safina has shown previously in her young career, thats he is a formidable opponent on clay and should be taken seriously. If she could continue beating those ranked ahead of her is another story. French Open will prove most interesting with who will go far, who will win it, when there are many capable of having a great run. I woudl not count out Dementieva for sure, having been to the final before and finding her game again and playing very well, especially on clay. Of course there is Justine, if healthy, to be the over all favorite, followed by Kuznetseva, Ivanovic, Williams, Jankovic, but a low seeded player could surely capture this title this season.