Kuznetsova makes breakthrough win in final against top seeded and ranked compatriot

Going into the final of the Porsche Grand Prix were two Russian contenders, who both came through tough times in their matches before the final. Top seed Dinara Safina and No. 5 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova were battling it out, and Kuznetsova made a great win to return to the winner's circle.

Kuznetsova put a stop to her losing streak against Top 10 players on the road to her title, ousting Safina, the world No. 1, with a score of 64 63.

"It has been a while," the Russian said. "At the beginning today I was a little bit nervous. It's tough for me to play finals - I haven't won too many of them lately. But I started playing better and better as the match went on and I was able to win. I want to thank everybody for their support. It's a great thing to be here."

The Russians are now 7-5 in head-to-head results, Safina still taking the lead.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 63