MADRID: Shortly after her quarter-final win in Madrid, Svetlana Kuznetsovba sent a congratulatory text to another winner in the draw. The receiver was Kristina Mladenovic, her semifinal opponent.
This week in Madrid has seen the blossoming of the friendship between two renowned characters on the WTA Tour. Kuznetsova and Mladenovic joined forces to compete in the doubles competition, but fell at the first hurdle. The two also teamed up in Indian Wells and Miami.
“She’s such a great person. I get to know her better and better. We are really having a good time. She’s becoming a really close friend, going through lots of her experience and stories.” The world No.17 about the Russian.
Their friendship will be placed on ice at the Caja Magica on Friday with the prospect of a place in the Madrid Open final looming. Kuznetsova will play the Frenchwoman in the night-time match. She trails their head-to-head 0-1 due to a straight sets defeat at the 2015 US Open. Eager to seek revenge, does the fact the two have become close friends impact on Kuznetsova’s preparation for the showdown?
“Kiki is playing great on clay court. I think it’s her best season in her life, in her career. Definitely she has the momentum.” She said.
“I’m just going to approach that match just like it’s a normal match.”
If experience is key to the win, 2015 finalist Kuznetsova has the edge. On the other hand, Mladenovic has won the St. Petersburg Open and reached two WTA finals (Acapulco and Stuttgart) this season.
“I think it’s going to be very interesting match, something interesting to see.” Said Kuznetsova. “We texted (each other) after the (quarter-final) match because we do congratulate each other almost after each match. We say, ‘Let’s do it, let’s have a good match’.”
The enthusiasm for the clash is one shared by both. 23-year-old Mladenovic has publicly praised the game of her rival. Describing the former US Open champion as somebody who has the ‘perfect’ game for the clay. A refreshing outlook from two athletes competing against each other.
“I really love her style of game. I’m so proud playing next to her in doubles because she has so many variations, she has all the shots in the game. Perfect game for the clay” Mladenovic explained.
Whatever the outcome of the match will be in Madrid, there is one certainty. Team Kuznetsova-Mladenovic are getting stronger by the day.
