Wozniacki and Williams Win in Doha, Safina Pulls Out

Thursday, October 29, 2009 -- Dinara Safina pulls out of the final WTA Tour event, held in Doha, due to a bad back injury. The then leading female tennis player reports that she has been enduring the pain for over three months.

She is expected to endure six weeks of bed rest and a potentially long rehabilitation period. It is even uncertain if she will be participating in the Aussie Open this coming January. Safina’s No.1 spot is not held by Serena Williams.

Serena, on the other hand, is doing well at Doha. She won her match against her sister Venus William. Commenting on her current No.1 status, she said, "It's such a great feeling.” She also added, “Dinara is such a great player. She must be really hurt, because she never gives up." This is the first time that Serena ranked No.1 since 2002.

Caroline Wozniacki also played well. She beat Victoria Azarenka 1-6, 6-4, 7-5. She pulled out her win despite seemingly being bothered by a sore hamstring, which forced her to retire from her match as the Luxembourg Open. At Doha, Wozniacki wore strapping around her left thigh, she also kept icing it during changeovers.

"The strapping definitely helped," said Wozniacki. "You try not to think about it too much, especially in the important moments. ... It's not great for the leg, running this much."