Elena Dementieva wins Olympic gold, Russians take all medals
Elena Dementieva is the singles gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics, having defeated fellow Russian Dinara Safina 3-6 7-5 6-3.
What an achievement for Russian tennis, all the three medals were taken by Russian players with Dementieva winning the gold, Safina silver and Zvonareva bronze with a victory 6-0 7-5 over China's Li Na.
Dementieva took advantage of 17 double-fault committed by Safina, plus, the eventual champion Dementieva hit twice as many winners, 26 to 13.
"I never expected a medal — gold, silver or bronze," said Dementieva. "It's unbelievable. For me this is the best moment in my career. I'll never forget it."
The 26-year-old Dementieva won the silver medal in Sydney in 2000. (source: ESPN, photo via Tennis Info Blog)
Top seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia won her sixth career title on Sunday by defeating third seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 7-6 (2) 6-2 in the Prague Open final. On the same day, Argentina’s Gisela Dulko beat top-seeded Anabel Medina Garrigues 7-6 (2) 7-6 (5) at the Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem.
World No.3 Jelena Jankovic didn't look back in her semifinal against world No.20 Vera Zvonareva and beat the Russian 6-1 6-4 to set up a meeting with defending champion Serena Williams in the Sony Ericsson Open final.
Top seed Ana Ivanovic defeated Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-4 to reach the last four of the Pacific Life Open and join
World No.5 Maria Sharapova needed three sets to beat fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-1, 2-6, 6-0 for the Qatar Total Open title, but the important thing is she won and kept her perfect season intact as she extended her match record this year to 14-0.


