Svetlana Kuznetsova in Indian Wells

Svetlana Kuznetsova seems to have trouble in the limelight. Last year, Kuznetsova claimed her second Grand Slam in Paris and played so well that she jumped to number two in the world rankings. The notoriety has not served her well.

Primarily a clay and slow court specialist, Kuznetsova struggles to keep pace on the faster courts. Carla Suarez Navarro capitalized on Kuznetsova’s erratic strategy in upsetting the top seed at Indian Wells, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. It was Kuznetsova’s opening match and marked the first time since 2002 that a tournament top draw lost an opening match. Suarez Navarro will next play streaking Aggie Szavay, who will be favored to win.

After the match the 24-year old Kuznetsova commented, “It’s frustrating because I know I have the game. I feel great. I do practice, play unbelievable and then get to the match and I do not do much.” Kuznetsova was a finalist at Indian Wells in 2007 and 2008, but her 2010 record is a modest 5-5, hardly worthy of a number two world ranking.

Oddsmaker favorite Kim Clijsters racked up her 15th consecutive win at the BNP Paribas Open with a decisive 6-2, 6-1 win over Czechoslovakian Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Clijsters converted 5 of her 7 break point opportunities. The tour’s 17th ranked player is seeking her 37th tour victory.

Defending Champion Vera Zvonareva, this year’s 12th seed, defeated American Sloane Stephens 6-4, 7-5, who competed well. Zvonareva is playing with confidence on the familiar surface.

Vera will next meet Latvian Anastasija Sevastova who upset favored Ana Ivanovic 6-2, 6-4. The former number one, Ivanovic, continues to struggle with her serve and seems distracted by her notoriety.

Former champion Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova lost her opening match to Italian Roberta Vinci, 6-3, 7-5. When Hantuchova won at Indian Wells in 2002, it was her first Sony Ericsson WTA title.

In addition to Clijsters, Belgian Yanina Wickmayer advanced to the third round by bouncing German Julia Goerges 6-2, 6-4. Wickmayer raised her 2010 record to 14-3 and is well positioned to mount a stern challenge. Wickmayer will meet Vinci in the third round.

Third seeded Victoria Azarenka opened her tournament with an impressive 6-1, 7-5 win over stubborn Sybille Bammer. Azarenka lost to Zvonareva in the quarters last season, but looks very strong this year. Victoria will be a tough out this time around.

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