Kuznetsova defeats compatriot Bovina in two.

Photo: TeamWTA
By Etienne Stekelenburg
October 7 2004

US Open Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia defeats her compatriot and runner up of last weeks Gaz de France in Hasselt in two sets, 7-5,6-4. It showed that Kuznetsova was the better player today, hitting more winners, aces and she showed she is an all-round player.

Kuznetsova breaks Bovina’s first service but the taller player Bovina breaks back for 2 all. Up till 5 all the game is even and both players were not giving away many chances to break. Only at 3 all Bovina had one break-chance.

Kuznetsova takes a 0-40 lead in the 11th game after hitting two winners and Bovina hitting a ball wide. Bovina hits a good serve for 15-40 but sees her game going towards her fellow-Russian.

At 6-5 Kuznetsova is serving for the first set, she hits three winners for 30-15, 40-15 and the game and set. Leading 1-0 in sets in 42 minutes.

In the second Kuznetsova breaks Bovina’s first game again. And again both players held on to their service games, not once the players held breakpoint. With both players winning their serves easily and Bovina one game down Kuznetsova won the second set 6-4.

In 74 minutes the match was over Svetlana Kuznetsova goes into the next round 7-5, 6-4. She is meeting Colombian Zuluaga who won against Smashnova of Israel who retired at 6-4, 1-0.

Lisa Raymond of the USA defeats Italian Silvia Farina Elia in three sets, 6-7(3), 7-6(6) and 6-0. Raymond will meet the new No.1 Amelie Mauresmo in the next round.

Elena Likhovtseva of Russia defeats French Mary Pierce in three sets after losing the first set 0-6 she takes the next two 6-4 and 6-3. Likhovtseva meets her compatriot Anastasia Myskina who defeats French Nathalie Dechy 4-6, 6-2 and 6-1.