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Sport

Dinara Safina 'a worthy world No1'

James Olley
1 Jul 2009


The outgoing boss of women's tennis Larry Scott has defended Dinara Safina's position as world No1 despite the Russian having never won a grand slam title.

Several leading players have been critical of Safina's ranking, including Venus Williams and sister Serena, who referred to herself in May when claiming "we all know who the real No1 is".

Safina takes on Venus tomorrow and, ahead of that semi-final, Scott said: "There have been several occasions where the sport has had No1s that hadn't won a grand slam title at any time. I know that does stir a debate among fans because the world's focus is greatest around the grand slam titles and players focus on them too. But the ranking system is designed around who is the strongest, most consistent performer over the years. There are a lot of factors that go into the ranking system.

"I believe the players believe in that ranking system. I have not had one come up to me and say, 'How can Dinara Safina be No1 in the world?' They believe in it and that is the ultimate test."

Scott finished his tenure as WTA Tour chief today to take up a role in American football.

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