Svetlana Kuznetsova was dominant in winning the Kremlin Cup over the defending champion Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova: 6-2, 6-1. The two Russians had met four times previously, with Kuznetsova taking three of the four matches. However, Pavlyuchenkova won their last encounter decisively in Wuhan last month: 6-0, 6-1. This is the 15th title for the Russian veteran, including two Grand Slam titles, but the first in her home country. This is also the first title for Kuznetsova in 2015.
Kuznetsova said that she wanted to forget about that match she played against Pavlyuchenkova a month ago where she only took one game. Mission accomplished. In this match, the 30-year-old Kuznetsova, currently ranked 32, overwhelmed her fellow Russian, who is ranked 31. She served well, winning 83% of her first service points, and executed her shots beautifully with consistent, smart playing. Each player held her first two service games. Kuznetsova then won the next nine games and closed out the match in 1 hour, 19 minutes.
Kuznetsova did not face a break point the entire match. She hit 21 winners vs. 17 unforced errors compared to 16 winners but 29 unforced errors for Pavlyuchenkova. Her court movement seemed to be hampered by a left thigh injury. The 24 year-old Pavlyuchenkova was tired from playing 10 matches in 12 days, including many three setters. She won the title in Linz last week.
In the trophy ceremony, Kuznetsova praised Pavlyuchenkova for being a “real fighter” and admitted that “deep down, I always wanted to win this tournament and finally I won it!”
