Kuznetsova Wins French Open

By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 6, 2009 9:49 AM CDT
Kuznetsova Wins French Open
Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova waves after defeating Dinara Safina.   (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Svetlana Kuznetsova conquered her nerves and beat a shaky Dinara Safina to win the French Open. Showing uncharacteristic calm, Kuznetsova earned her second Grand Slam title today by defeating Safina, 6-4, 6-2 in an all-Russian matchup. Jitters have often betrayed Kuznetsova down the stretch in big matches, but she swept the final four games with steady play.

Instead it was the top-ranked Safina who battled her emotions. She double-faulted seven times, struggled with her movement, and appeared near tears late in the match. Four-time French Open champion Justine Henin and others have criticized Safina's ranking. She climbed to No. 1 in April and will remain there through at least late July, but she's now 0-3 in Grand Slam finals. (More Svetlana Kuznetsova stories.)

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