2011 Andalucia Tennis Experience: Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Lara Arruabarrena – Quarterfinal Preview
Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia will take on Spaniard Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino on Friday in the quarterfinal match-up at the 2011 Andalucia Tennis Experience in Marbella, Italy.
Sixth seed Kuznetsova has looked in great shape since the start of the Women’s Tennis Association tournament. She earned a hard fought 7-6, 6-1, 7-6 victory against Lourdes Dominguez Lino in her previous match to book her place
in the last eight. Kuznetsova showed her fighting ability and determination in the match that lasted for more than 2 hours and 30 minutes. Earlier in her opening match she defeated German Mona Barthel quite comfortably.
Ranked 34th in the world, Kuznetsova started the year on a poor note. She fell in the second round in Auckland to start the season with. She then restored some of the lost pride at Sydney where she reached the quarterfinals.
She continued to impress the critics at the Australian Open when she reached the fourth round of the Grand Slam. However her most significant achievement came at the Dubai Duty Free Championships where she finished as a runner-up.
Her opponent Arruabarrena-Vecino entered the competition as a qualifier. In her opening match she eased past Monica Niculescu 7-5, 6-4 and then ousted Sandra Zahlavova in the second round play. The 19-year-old has achieved considerable
results on the ITF circuit however she is still quite new to the WTA arena. Defeating players ranked much higher than herself will give her confidence in her abilities and skills. The Spanish-tennis pro has consistently created problems for her opponents since
the start of this season.
This is the first time the two players are meeting each other at the WTA level. Kuznetsova’s ranking of world number 34 makes her a clear favourite for this match. However, considering Vecino’s recent performances she should not
be under estimated in any way.
Kuznetsova has a strong forehand shot along with a brilliant defensive game play. Throughout the tournament the Russian has saved certain break points with her baseline play. Her serve may not be the best in the business but has
certainly improved over the last few years. Vecino on the other hand possess a powerful backhand shot which she can use effectively against her opponents. She is a fresh breed of young talent in tennis world. Right through the competition Vecino showed that
she has the temperament to compete against top ranked players of the world.
Prediction: Although Vecino is a talented, focused and determined player she still does not have enough experience at the WTA level. Kuznetsova is expected to defeat her in straight sets.
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