Svetlana
Kuznetsova 7-5, 1-6, 7-5 Agnieszka Radwanska (Singapore WTA Finals RR)
These two
players had had some tough matches in the past, with their most recent
encounter being in Wuhan where Kuznetsova prevailed in a 2 hours and 51 minutes
thriller after saving a match point. Their head-to-head may come to as a
surprise to some people, as it stands at 12-4 to Kuznetsova’s advantage. In 2
of their past 3 meetings, the winner have saved match points and won the match.
Radwanska knew that in order to win this match, she had had to be more
offensive and attack on the slow second serves of Kuznetsova. For Kuznetsova,
it would be tough to adapt to the conditions of the Singapore Indoor Stadium
Court as she only arrived in Singapore on Sunday after she triumphed in Moscow
to be able to qualify for this event. However, Kuznetsova, known for her
agility and good stamina, has won the most 3 set matches on the WTA Tour this
year despite her age, and thus fatigue should not be of a major problem for
her.
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 and
we can see her hitting more aces and having faster first serves. Radwanska
managed to win 12/13 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 break point. Kuznetsova managed to win 3 consecutive
games from 4-1 down with some incredible defence 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 shot which
managed to expose Radwanska at the net on yet another break point at 5-5 which
allowed her to break to serve for the set. Kuznetsova then managed to serve out
the set, saving break points on the way. This 1st set was
encouraging for Kuznetsova, who looked to be struggling with fatigue at the
start of the match. Radwanska has been poor at the net in the first set,
winning only 4 out of 12 net points while Kuznetsova is the one performing well
at the net with 7 out of 9 net points won.
The pair
exchanged breaks early in the second set, and 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% of her first service return points against
such a hard hitter like Kuznetsova. Radwanska managed to break once more and
successfully served out the match 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 is in this match.
Radwanska
had an encouraging start to the 3rd set by going up 0-40 on
Kuznetsova’s serve. However, Kuznetsova produced an awesome passing sliced
forehand shot to save break point in the first game, and a strong backhand down
the line to save another break point. Radwanska then made an unforced error
into the net and it allowed Kuznetsova to come from 0-40 down to deuce.
However, a frustrated Kuznetsova served a double fault and made another
unforced error that was just slightly out to hand Radwanska the break.
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 3rd 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 out from
Radwanska. After a failed challenge, forced error and a failed dropshot
attempt, Radwanska went 0-40 down on her service game. However, Kuznetsova
allowed Radwanska back into the game after losing 3 consecutive points. A long
and entertaining rally at deuce went into Kuznetsova’s favour and that gave her
yet another break point opportunity. Radwanska, with her reliable net game,
saved it with a forehand volley. With great footwork and a strong forehand,
Kuznetsova managed to save game point and finally took the game after she
managed to take her 5th break point opportunity. After yet another
long rally, Radwanska once again broke Kuznetsova’s serve and would serve for
the match. In the first point of the game when Radwanska served for the match,
there was a rally of 26 shots and Radwanska’s impressive defence eventually won
her the point. At 30-15, Kuznetsova surprised Radwanska when she hit a strong
backhand down the line which left Radwanska shocked and hit a forced error.
Kuznetsova then hit a strong backhand into the net to give Radwanska match point
and Kuznetsova saved the match point by hitting yet another strong forehand.
Another forehand unforced error gave Kuznetsova the opportunity to break, but
now Radwanska saved it with her 5th ace of the match. Kuznetsova got
another break point opportunity after she hit a backhand volley winner which
Radwanska could not reach and 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. A backhand down the line winner by
Kuznetsova made the scoreline 30 all, but Radwanska managed to win the next
point by playing aggressive and hitting strong forehands. Kuznetsova had yet
another winner on a 117 km/h Radwanska second serve and managed to have a match
point after a forehand winner. A failed challenge gave Radwanska the point
after Kuznetsova stopped play in the middle of the point. A netcord made
Radwanska hit a forced error and gave Kuznetsova another match point but she
lost it after she hit another forehand unforced error. An unforced error made
by Radwanska gave Kuznetsova her 3rd match point, and Kuznetsova
finally took the match after Radwanska made 
another
forehand unforced error.
another
forehand unforced error.
Takeaways
If
Radwanska would want to have an advantage over her opponents, she must make
good use of her agility and her speed by hitting a variety of shots and also
winning the net points. She should also improve her second serves, which often
don’t go faster than 120 km/h, as they were often attacked by her opponents and
make Radwanska going on the defence as soon as the point starts.
Kuznetsova
should try to hit less unforced errors which are often the major factor in her
losses, and she hit 50 unforced errors in this match. She should also try to
attack her opponent’s second serves as she has the power to do so. She should
also utilize her backhand well as her backhand is usually the highlight of her
game. During rallies, she should surprise her opponents by hitting strong
backhands down the line or crosscourt as she has the ability to do so. She
could also involve more of the dropshots and backhand slices in her game.
Nevertheless, the mental strength and stamina of Kuznetsova can be said to be one
of the best on the WTA Tour.
Interesting
Statistics
·
Kuznetsova
has never won a match against Non-Russians at the WTA Finals until this match.
·
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