The Bank of the West Classic began its amazing 40th edition on Monday and the most dramatic match came at the very end of the night, as Kimiko Date Krumm - who turns 40 in a few months - rallied to beat former No.1 Dinara in three sets, 46 76(0) 62.

Date Krumm, who defeated Dinara in the first round of the French Open in May to become the oldest player ever to beat a Top 10 player, lost five games in a row to fall behind 64 20, seemingly headed for a straight set departure. But the Japanese veteran didn’t let go, hanging tough with Dinara from the baseline and pouncing with a love tie-break, then easing through the decider in 35 minutes.

“In the important moments she played well,” said Safina, who was playing her first tournament since the week before Wimbledon. “It was my first match back from injury, so I’m pretty positive and will keep working hard to improve day by day. My back feels fine, and that is the most important thing.”

Dinara is scheduled to play again next week in San Diego.