The Russian tennis ace, Svetlana Kuznetsova couldn’t make her appearance in Washington DC this year due to her visa issues and now in Cincinnati, she has made it to the finals. Former World Number two, Kuznetsova toppled the present World Number two, Ashleigh Barty 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals of Western & Southern Open 2019.

She will play Sofia Kenin or Madison Keys in her first-ever final match in Cincinnati. With this loss, Ash Barty’s hopes of becoming World Number one on Monday have blown away. 

The Australian could seize Kuznetsova’s opening service and later consolidated her serve, but the revived champion of tennis, the wildcard entrant, Kuznetsova cruised to take the control of the set.

Barty drifted away from her game of tennis as Kuznetsova’s impeccable defense forced her to do so. Despite, Barty producing some winners, World Number 153 broke her serve for a 4-2 lead in the opening set.

Sizzling Forehand!

A classic version of Svetlana Kuznetsova was visible towards the end of the first set as her mind-blowing forehands and Barty’s errors led her to win six consecutive games in the set and she pulled it off at 6-2. 

Vintage Return!

On the way to the first final in Cincinnati…

Lost in the semifinal labyrinth, Ashleigh Barty was falling flat to find herself. “I’m all over the shop,” she told her coach as Svetlana Kuznetsova kept her game-winning streak undisturbed in the second set. “I can’t find my serve.” Her coach said, “You’ve got to be willing to take a few risks.”

Dictating the match!

By placing lobs, a few winners and with Kuznetsova mistaking a bit, the top-seed could control her service games in the second set after dropping one of them.

Slice Backhand!

Simply Sveta!

However, Kuznetsova did not stop her attacking form of tennis. She won points with her incessant defense and placements. Her constant dictation moved her closer and closer towards the final match.

First final in Cincinnati!