Kuznetsova Proves Herself with Impressive Performance in French Open Women’s Final

HEAD player Svetlana Kuznetsova came from behind in three matches to play for the 76th French Open women’s title Saturday at Roland Garros. Kuznetsova gave what many considered her best performance yet at a French Open to advance to the final against No. 5 Henin-Hardenne.

Kuznetsova persevered in what became an endurance match with temperatures soaring at Roland Garros. She steadied herself in the first set after falling behind 1-3 and came on strong in the second. Both women held, but Henin-Hardenne stood strong in the end and ultimately won the championship 6-4 6-4.

The road to the final placed Kuznetsova against tough opponents: she defeated No. 9 Schiavone in Round 16, 1-6 6-4 6-4 and No. 14 Safina 7-6(5) 6-0, followed by a semifinal win against No. 16 seed Vaidisova 5-7 7-6(5) 6-2. With her at every victory was her HEAD Flexpoint Instinct.

Kuznetsova launched her career with HEAD in 2000 and has remained a strong force on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ever since. Her career rocketed with her victory at the U.S. Open in 2004, and continued with an Australian Open doubles crown in 2005 and 16 additional titles, including a doubles title at the NASDAQ-100 Open and most recently a win at the 2006 NASDAQ-100 Open.