Commencing with the U.S. Open, a perpetual dark cloud has loomed over the WTA’s top seeds; most have failed to reach the latter rounds of tournaments or win in finals. Today at the China Open, a premier event, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, world number 6, let the sun through by defeating Pole Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-4 in the finals. For Svetlana, it is her second China Open title and her third trophy this year.
With a backhand crosscourt winner, Kuznetsova fabricated double break point in the opening game. Although Radwanska got to deuce, a netted forehand volley and backhand stroke ultimately handed the break to her rival. Subsequently, Svetlana had a comfortable game to consolidate. After Agnieszka scored with an ace for 1-2, on her next service trip, with a double fault and forehand down the line winner by Svetlana, the Pole faced double break point again. This time, Kuznetsova sealed the deal with another crosscourt forehand winner for 4-1. After Kuznetsova put her guard down the next game, Radwanska broke. But, the Russian aggressive play was rewarded shortly. With the Pole’s weak second serve too inviting to her adversary, Kuznetsova captured another break when Radwanska’s forehand sailed long. Then, by converting a forehand up the line winner on her serve, Kuznetsova bedded the first set 6-2.
