Svetlana Kuznetsova Profile

Svetlana Kuznetsova is probably one of the most popular women's tennis players on the circuit today. The Russian enjoys interacting with her fans and the media during her matches - unusual for top professional tennis players.

Svetlana claimed her first Grand Slam win at the 2004 US Open, defeating compatriot Elena Dementieva in straight sets in an all-Russian final. However, in 2005 Kuznetsova suffered an ignominious first round defeat at the US Open, becoming the first female defending champion in recent history to lose in the first round

At the 2006 French Open, Kuznetsova defeated 17-year-old Czech, Nicole Vaidisova, but was then hammered in the final by Justine Henin-Hardenne in two sets 6-4, 6-4. At Wimbledon she lost in the third round to Li Na, and at the US Open, she lost to Jelena Jankovic in the fourth round.

Although Kuznetsova did not play at all the Grand Slam tournaments in 2007 she still managed to secure second place in the WTA rankings. At Wimbledon Kuznetsova reached the semifinals with apparent ease, but was then taken out by the no.26 seed Serena Williams.

Kuznetsova faired slightly better in the 2007 US Open, reaching the finals after breezing through the earlier rounds. Her opponent in the final was Justine Henin, who easily subdued the Russian 6-1, 6-3 to win the title.

2008 saw Kuznetsova drop to number 8 in the WTA rankings. The Russian was knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round by Agnieszka Radwańska. Kuznetsova then missed the opportunity to secure the world number 1 ranking when she lost to Agnieszka Radwańska in the fourth round.

In 2009 Kuznetosva reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time in her career before being eliminated by eventual champion Serena Williams. Kuznetosva would later go on to win her first French Open title at Roland Garros, confirming her status as one of the top WTA players on the WTA Tour.