Kuznetsova Out-streaks Radwanska

Mercury Insurance Open
August 9th, 2010, by Hiland Doolittle

Kuznetsova Out streaks Radwanska

The Mercury Insurance Open in San Diego will be remembered as a milestone win by unseeded Svetlana Kuznetsova, who had just enough fuel to push the cart over the finish line. Kuznetsova and Radwanska went at it toe-to-toe for more than two hours 30 minutes in a final match filled with emotional ups and downs.

In the end, it was the Russian’s go-for-broke strategy that carried her across the finish line in time to claim her first WTA trophy of the year. What looked like a blowout turned into a thrilling battle between two WTA stars. Kuznetsova rallied for one last surge and finished Radwanska 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-3 in a match that will be long remembered for the courage of both players.

After impressively securing the first set, Kuznetsova looked to be in position to claim a quick title. The fourth seeded Radwanska had other plans. Down a set and 2-5 in the second, Radwanska began to play more conservatively. The longer the points were, the better she did.

The Pole ran off four straight games to take the advantage 6-5. In the tiebreaker, Kusnetsova jumped to an early lead once again. She held match points at 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 7-6. Agnieszka ran off three straight points to force a third set.

Kuznetsova raced to another fast start, but this time she made the 5-2 lead stick. Kuznetsova’s career record in finals is 13-18. To earn her second U.S. Open trophy and third Grand Slam title, the Russian will need to get back in competitive shape. If she does, she can beat anyone of the tour.