Kuznetsova puts Russia in command at Fed Cup
Monday, 17 September 2007
MOSCOW, Sept 16 (AFP): Word number two Svetlana Kuznetsova gave Russia a commanding 2-0 lead after the first day of the Fed Cup final tie, beating Mara Santangelo of Italy in straight sets here on Saturday.
Kuznetsova gave her 26-year-old opponent a 57-minute masterclass which ended in a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win -- her fourth win over Santangelo, who is 34th in the WTA rankings, in as many meetings.
The 22-year-old Russian, who resides in Monte Carlo, was in complete control from the start breaking her rival's serve twice for a one-set lead in 24 minutes.
In the second set Kuznetsova continued her domination, producing two more breaks before wrapping up victory at the 6,500-seat Luzhniki Sports Arena.
"I tried to keep myself focussed from the start and to give Mara no chances for a break," Kuznetsova said.
"I'm completely satisfied with my performance today and hope to perform even better tomorrow."
Earlier Saturday Anna Chakvetadze put Russia into the lead beating Francesca Schiavone in the opening rubber 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes to gain her third win in four head-to-head meetings with the Italian.
Kuznetsova gave her 26-year-old opponent a 57-minute masterclass which ended in a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win -- her fourth win over Santangelo, who is 34th in the WTA rankings, in as many meetings.
The 22-year-old Russian, who resides in Monte Carlo, was in complete control from the start breaking her rival's serve twice for a one-set lead in 24 minutes.
In the second set Kuznetsova continued her domination, producing two more breaks before wrapping up victory at the 6,500-seat Luzhniki Sports Arena.
"I tried to keep myself focussed from the start and to give Mara no chances for a break," Kuznetsova said.
"I'm completely satisfied with my performance today and hope to perform even better tomorrow."
Earlier Saturday Anna Chakvetadze put Russia into the lead beating Francesca Schiavone in the opening rubber 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes to gain her third win in four head-to-head meetings with the Italian.