Dementieva will face Safarova - 18e Open GDF SUEZ - 2010 - Tennis Féminin

She's almost there. Just one more win and Elena Dementieva will leave Stade Pierre de Coubertin - finally - with the Open GDF SUEZ trophy in her duffle bag. She was so close to it last year against Amélie Mauresmo at the end of a luscious final, but she will get a second chance on Sunday. And she can afford to get her hopes up, since this year's opponent isn't as big of a name. She will face Lucie Safarova, finalist in Paris three years ago and World 46th, and who she beat during their only confrontation. Before getting this far, she must first try to recover from her last two tiring games.

After Friday's 2h13min battle against a tenacious Andrea Petkovic (3-6, 6-4, 6-2), Elena had to work hard again on Saturday to get rid of Melanie Oudin who finally tired out after an exhausting 2h24. World 53rd , the little American girl doesn't size up (1,68m, 59kg) to Dementieva's 1m80, but on the court, she is a true warrior who really hangs on. And just when she seems to be out of the game, she bounces back and throws some powerful forehands, her best shot. Her serve is somewhat feeble, but with such character and assets, she can do anything.  Including to seriously worry the World N°7 like she did in the first set, gleaned 6- 4 in 49 minutes.

Oudin's fighting spirit: "Come on!"

For each short ball by Dementieva, both the American and the crowd went wild. And they were up to enjoy two more sets. Although struggling, the Russian would turn things around like she did on Friday. At 3-3 after a first break exchange, the number one seed made a break by pressuring Oudin who this time slashed two forehands in a row. A confirmed and even renewed advantage on a smart forehand volley and a winning backhand along the line (6-3).

Four consecutive breaks opened the curtain for the last act, symbolizing an uncertain outcome for the second semi-final. Despite her rage and a series of "come on!", Oudin was starting to lose her grip faced with Dementieva's greater experience and physical stature. The Russian, a little unhappy with several judges' decisions, made the difference at 3-2 on a lucky backhand return whose trajectory hit the net cord and... stopped behind the net. To the great disappointment of Oudin, who probably just realized that the end was near. On a backhand dropshot volley, Dementieva happily concluded her third match of the week. And she only needs one more to grab the 16th title and celebrate her first win in Paris.

Translated bay Amy Davenport