Svetlana Kuznetsova, who had lost her last six finals, defeated world No.1 Dinara Safina 6-4 6-3 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix to win her first title since August 2007.
Kuznetsova was in command in the all-Russian final and sent Safina to a third final defeat of the season, after Sydney and Australian Open. Safina had five break points, but converted none of them, while Kuznetsova the 2004 US Open champion now ranked No. 9, converted two out of four.
Safina was playing her first tournament since becoming No.1. Kuznetsova will definitely remember this victory, it’s her first title in a long time, plus, she won the white Porsche.
I’m really happy for Svetlana, she’s always playing hard, battling, and being very entertaining to watch…Maybe she will win a few more now that the streak of finals losses is broken…
Plus I liked her shorts…
She’s a great player who was in the shadow for a long time. Finally she won a tournament, but still, I’m sad for Dinara.
I’m so happy for Kuznetsova, women’s tennis would be a lot better with her back in the fold and in good form. I hope Safina doesn’t catch the “finals curse” though.
I’m glad to see Kuznetsova’s title drought end. Nice run for Dinara; but due to her inconsistency I don’t think she can dominate the game of tennis.
I am happy for Svetlana. She has got a great game.
I agree Marija, I empathise for Dina too! However, Kuzy has been on the verge of emerging from her hibernation in the WTA, if it weren’t for the extreme heat temperature delay in OZ, where Kuz was leading a set against Serena; 7-5 and failed to sustain her victorious mentality, she may have severely endangered 09 Champion’s quest to the finals (Also recall Williams’ previously passive form against Aza, to whom she had surrendered the first set 3-6). Sveta’s ‘official’ restoration to the WTA glory has resumed… straight sets against Dementieva and Dina.
No need to fear, Dinara wasn’t too dejected or quite ‘mopping the court with her tears’, simply stating: ‘I was too passive… I’m still NO. 1.’ Hear, Hear!
Zuleika, I like the term “hibernation” you used haha, that’s what it was. I remember those matches you’re mentioning. Both players were very close to taking Serena out.