Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Agnieszka Radwanska – WTA Singapore RR
These two players had some tough matches in the past, most recently in Wuhan where Kuznetsova prevailed in 2 hours and 51 minutes after saving a match point. Their head-to-head record stood at 12-4 to Kuznetsova’s advantage, which may come as a surprise to some people. In 2 of their past 3 meetings, the winner saved match points and won the match. Radwanska knew that in order to win this match, she has to be more offensive and attack on the second serves of Kuznetsova. For Kuznetsova, it would be tough to adapt to the conditions of the Singapore indoor court as she only arrived in Singapore on Sunday after she triumphed in Moscow. However, Kuznetsova, known for her agility and good stamina, has won the most 3-set matches on the WTA Tour this year, and thus fatigue should not be a major problem for her.
Kuznetsova takes a tight opening set
The pair held their service games until the fourth game, where Radwanska broke to lead 3-1. Kuznetsova was visibly having trouble dealing with the fatigue, but managed to regain her composure later in the set. Kuznetsova was also struggling to return Radwanska’s serve, which has improved over this year as we can see her hitting more aces and having faster first serves. Radwanska managed to win 12 out of 13 service points in her first 3 service games, but failed to hold her serve in her next service game after Kuznetsova hit a perfect cross-court backhand on her break point. Kuznetsova managed to win 3 consecutive games from 4-1 down with some incredible defense and volleys which managed to expose Radwanska at the net. Kuznetsova improved as the set progressed and was able to produce more hot shots like another cross-court backhand which managed to expose Radwanska at the net on, yet another, break point at 5-5. It allowed her to break to serve for the set. Kuznetsova then managed to serve out the set, saving break points along the way. The first set was encouraging for Kuznetsova, who looked to be struggling with fatigue at the start of the match. Radwanska had been poor at the net in the first set, winning only 4 out of 12 net points while Kuznetsova was the one performing well at the net with 7 out of 9 net points won.
Radwanska steals the second set routinely
The pair exchanged breaks early in the second set, but Radwanska led 4-1 after she managed to consolidate her break. Radwanska was more aggressive on the return in this set and managed to win 72 percent of her first service return points against a hard hitter in Kuznetsova. Radwanska managed to break once more and successfully served out the second set despite being caught up to deuce by Kuznetsova from 40-0 up. This set saw Radwanska winning all 9 of her net points and Kuznetsova winning just 1 of her 8 net points, a great contrast to the first set. This shows that how important net play was in this match.
Radwanska in Singapore. Photo by Getty Images.
The Russian pulls out a massive victory
Radwanska had an encouraging start to the third set by breaking Kuznetsova immediately. Radwanska then managed to consolidate her break after saving a few break points which Kuznetsova failed to convert on. Kuznetsova managed to hold her serve to 15 for the first time since serving out the first set and also successfully broke Radwanska’s serve to make the third set level at 2-2. Radwanska then broke Kuznetsova’s serve again with some aggressive play. Radwanska once again consolidated her break by holding to 30 in a tough game where Kuznetsova seemed to be very frustrated with herself. Kuznetsova finally managed to hold her serve, after hitting a few strong first serves that forced errors from Radwanska. In the following game, Kuznetsova managed to save game point and finally took the game after she managed to take her fifth break point opportunity. After yet another long rally, Radwanska once again broke Kuznetsova’s serve and would serve for the match. As the Pole served for the win, Kuznetsova saved a match point by hitting, yet another, strong forehand. Kuznetsova finally managed to break after Radwanska hit a backhand into the net. This break then gave Kuznetsova the confidence and allowed her to regain her composure as she held her serve and was 1 game away from winning the match. The Russian served for the match, and an unforced error made by Radwanska gave Kuznetsova her third match point. Kuznetsova finally took the match in dramatic fashion as Radwanska made another forehand unforced error.
~
Interesting Statistics
Kuznetsova has never won a match against non-Russians at the WTA Finals until today.
The last time Radwanska won at least 2 matches in the Round Robin was in 2011.
Kuznetsova once again saved match point to defeat Radwanska, having previously done so in Wuhan.
Kuznetsova after an impressive win. Photo by Getty Images.
Written by Don Han
the third serve 