Elena Dementieva will get her singles campaign underway in Indian Wells today as she takes on world’s number 104 Anastasia Yakimova from Belarus.
Number four seed this week Dementieva has a 2005 semi-final showing to defend so she must be eager to have an easy day at the office today.
The Russian has so far this season been pretty consistent with the exception of her Australian Open faux-pas. She has claimed her first Tier I in Tokyo last February and has reached the semis in Antwerp losing in three sets to eventual runner-up Kim Clijsters.
But Dementieva has already tasted victory in this year’s edition of Indian Wells when she and Pennetta beat Elena’s countrywomen Vesnina/Chakvetadze in a 26 75 64 marathon in the first round of the doubles competition.
Should Dementieva prevail over Yakimova she will most probably face tough-as-nails, and Indian sensation, Sania Mirza.
This year’s Indian Wells tournament has a total of 2.100.000$ to be earned by the participants, the singles winner will earn 332.000$ as well as 325 important ranking points, while the runner-up will get a cheque worth 163.000$ and 228 points.
