Dinara Safina’s relief as she finally claims double

Former world No1 Dinara Safina secured back-to-back wins for the first time since the Australian Open to reach the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

The 24-year-old Russian beat compatriot and 18th seed Nadia Petrova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 to provide signs she is ready to put a year ruined by injury behind her. Safina, ranked 70, pulled out of January's Grand Slam and has struggled since, with Petrova the highest-ranked player she has beaten since then.

"It's the first time in a long time for me to win a three-set match," said Safina. "Before, I could play a three-set match against a top player and physically be fine. This was a nice test for me in a high intensity match."

She now faces French Open winner Francesca Schiavone, who beat 66th-ranked Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 6-7, 6-2.

Another former world No1, Justine Henin, will not play again this year as she recovers from the elbow injury she suffered at Wimbledon. The 28-year-old Belgian said: "I hope to resume training at the start of October and continue to work flat out to attack the new season."