Russian Hat-trick

Russia's domination in world tennis on the WTA was summed up today when all three singles medals at stake were won by Russian's, with Elena Dementieva taking Gold, Dinara Safina, the Silver and Vera Zvonereva, Bronze.

It all began when Zvonereva, a late replacement for the injured Maria Sharapova, won comfortably against China's Li Na, 6-0 7-5 to take Bronze.

This set the stage for a hard-fought final match between Dementieva (world #7) and Safina (world #6 and sister to Marat Safin). The first set was easily won by Safina 6-3, with Dementieva having a very nervy start.

In the 2nd set, Dementieva started to play more freely and subsequently went ahead 4-1. However, Safina's powerful groundstrokes and fantastic defensive play brought it back to 4-4. Unfortunately, Safina's mental fragility started showing itself when a series of uncharacteristic double-faults cost her the set, 7-5.

The 3rd set was pretty much the same but again, it was Safina's double-faults that let her down and with Dementieva tightening up her baseline play, she prevailed 6-3 to take Olympic Gold.

Olympic Gold was ever more sweet for Dementieva who, 8 years ago at Sydney, achieved Olympic Silver at the similar event.

It was a very emotional situation for the Russian ladies, especially when standing on the winners podium, listening to the Russian National Anthem playing and watching the 3 Russian flags being raise. A very rare and spectacular moment indeed - tennis or otherwise!

Congratulations to the 3 ladies and Russia as a whole! Will Russia repeat this once in a life time feat? Tune in to London in 2012 to find out!