Two of the sport’s biggest names will fight for a spot in the third round of the US Open. As fate would have it, New York heralded the arrival of both Caroline Wozniacki and Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Kuznetsova, now 31 years of age, lifted the trophy here in 2004. She defeated Lindsay Davenport and Elena Dementieva take home the first of two Majors. Wozniacki, now 26, reached the final here in 2009, becoming the last teenager to reach that stage of a major.
Both players have had contrasting years. Kuznetsova’s season has seen her ranking soar back in to the top 10 while Wozniacki’s injury-plagued season has left her barely in the top 100 in the road to Singapore. The two met at Wimbledon this year where the Russian defeated the unseeded Wozniacki in straight sets. This will be their third meeting on Arthur Ashe stadium, the previous two being memorable three setters.
Wozniacki vs. Kuznetsova flashback
It looked as though the current French Open champion was going to cruise through her teenaged opponent in the fourth round at the 2009 US Open. With the top half of the draw completely opening up, Kuznetsova seemed due for another big run at a Major. 19-year-old Caroline Wozniacki had something else to say.
With Kuznetsova winning the first set 6-2, the second would head to a tiebreaker. Kuznetsova could smell victory at 5-5, being two points away from the quarterfinals. Not known for her offensive prowess, however, Wozniacki seared a backhand winner down the line to bring her up a set point, which she converted.
The final set went to a tiebreaker as well with Kuznetsova being unable to break through the defense of Wozniacki. After the Russian hit her final error, Wozniacki reached her first Slam quarterfinal. Her run would end at the hands of Kim Clijsters in the final.
Kuznetsova was not too complimentary of the young Dane in her post-match presser. She claimed that it was her that was playing too much within herself and making all the errors.
Two years later they would meet at the same stage. Wozniacki was #1 at this time and erased a 6-7 1-4 deficit to win in three sets. This time around, Kuznetsova complimented her opponent much more, declaring that she never gives up nor does she give anything away.
Other interesting stats and matches
The head-to-head series is tied at 6-6, their last two matches being on grass.
Novak Djokovic will attempt to avenge his Monte Carlo loss to Jiri Vesely in proceedings. Kvitova is first on Ashe against Turkey’s Cagla Buyukakcay. Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Garbine Muguruza headline the AA night session.
