Tennis: Safina aims for place in top 10

Dinara Safina has set her sights on a place in tennis' top 10 this year after injury ruined her 2006.

The 20-year-old sister of former world No 1 Marat Safin had to take a break after being diagnosed in October with a fatigue-related illness.

She finished the year ranked 11th in the world but said she had been revitalised by the break and was eyeing greater success this year.

"I was so tired I just wanted to stay at home but it's all experience for me," she said. "Now I know what my body can do and I know how to take care of it."

Safina will launch her campaign today at the Australian Open women's hardcourt championships. She is seeded second behind Martina Hingis and plays Elena Likhovtseva in her opening match.

- REUTERS