WEEKEND WINNERS: Nole, Dinara

Rome - Novak Djokovic

It seems Nole was on a mission to silence the criticism surrounding his withdrawal in Monte Carlo and it may have worked. The 20-year old earned his fourth Master Series shield defeating new top-10 resident Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and giving his Roland Garros prospects a huge boost. And with 310 points now separating the Serb from Rafael Nadal in the rankings and only a quarterfinal showing in last year's Hamburg tourney, could we be looking at the soon-to-be world no. 2?

Berlin - Dinara Safina

Color me impressed. Dinara kept the "Safin syndrome" at bay all week in Berlin earning the biggest title of her career and defeating three top -10 players along the way, including Justine Henin, Serena Williams, and Elena Dementieva 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the final. Though she's probably not on anyone's long list to take home the French Open crown, I'd put her into the dark horse category after this impressive week of tennis.

*VIA DOWNTHELINETENNIS.COM

(images via AP)