Birthday girl Safina targets Grand Slam title

World number one and birthday girl Dinara Safina said on Monday she is determined to underline her place at the top of the rankings with a Grand Slam title soon.

Safina, who turned 23 on Monday, is contesting the WTA event here this week on clay as she begins her preparation to try and win the French Open which starts at Roland Garros on May 23.

"It's going to be another step," said the determined Russian. "You have steps to take in your life. The first step for me was either to win a Grand Slam or become number one, so I already have one.

"For the next step, I have my whole career and I'm going to continue working hard to win a Grand Slam.

"This year, next year - I still have many years in front of me and I think I can do it.

STUTTGART, Germany, Tuesday, AFP