Serena Rolls By Safina
by Jamie Gross
Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Following the pace that the other top seeded players set in day two, Serena Williams blew through her second-round match against young Russian Danira Safina in just 40 minutes, coming out on top, 6-0, 6-1. The 16-year-old Safina's athleticism proved sub-par when pitted against the No. 1 seed Williams, whose agility and mental game were too much to overcome.

During the swift 40-minute match, Safina, the younger sister of men's No. 2 seed Marat Safin, posted five double faults. However, as usual, New York's traditionally pro-underdog crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, acutely aware of the level of play Williams would bring to the match, encouraged Safina, applauding enthusiastically for every point she won. Safina's one winning game received a standing ovation.

Williams will await the winner of the Dechy-Tulyaganova match.