Siblings share the spotlight at U.S. Open

By Larry Fine

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marat Safin and Dinara Safina celebrated a family day at the U.S. Open on Tuesday as the Russian brother and sister each posted first-round wins on a busy programme for siblings at the National Tennis Center.

Former champion Safin beat American Vince Spadea 3-6 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-4 and sixth-seeded Safina, silver medallist at the Olympics and winner of two titles this hardcourt season, eliminated American Kristie Ahn 6-3 6-4.

Safina has come of age this year with a trip to the French Open final and tournament wins in Los Angeles and at the Canadian Open. She is a serious contender to follow in her brother's footsteps by taking her first grand slam crown here.

"I think this would be my dream come true," the 22-year-old Safina said. "This would be the most amazing thing that can happen."

Besides the Russians, other siblings in singles action on Tuesday included the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who have four U.S. Open crowns between them, and sisters Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine.

Fourth-seeded Serena Williams, the 1999 and 2002 winner, spoiled the Bondarenko family fun by ousting Kateryna 6-1 6-4. Seventh seed Venus Williams, champion in 2000 and 2001, was opening the night programme against Australian Samantha Stosur.

Alona Bondarenko, ranked 31st in the world, made sure the day would end on a high after she beat American wildcard Jamea Jackson 2-6 6-3 6-2 in her first-round match.

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