Svetlana Kuznetsova hits back at Jelena Jankovic to enter round three – BNP Paribas Open 2013
Former world number two, Svetlana Kuznetsova, made an epic comeback from a set down to outclass the 18th seed, Jelena Jankovic, in a three-set nail-biter at the BNP Paribas Open 2013 on Friday. She nudged up a 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory against the
Serbian star to power into the third round at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Premier event taking place in Indian Wells, United States.
The 27-year-old made a drastic entry at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. However, she re-ignited her old spark and ultimately carved out the victory in their 12th meeting. As a result, she avenged her loss at the Fed Cup last season and levelled
the head-to-head series against the Serbian veteran by 6-6.
The beaming Russian stated in a post match interview:
"Jelena and I always have long rallies - I know I can win them, but it's hard, and she's always going to be there putting balls back. I had no pressure though. She's seeded; I'm not seeded. I have no pressure this year at all. Actually, overall I was thinking
I don't want to have any pressure in my life, that I feel much better without pressure. I'll try to keep things this way. I was pretty bad in the first set, but I managed to change it and I'm happy I made it today."
The former world number one, Jankovic showed her class in the opening set. She went on a six-game killing spree and eventually pulled out the opener with a bagel.
Currently ranked 46th at the WTA Premier Rankings, Kuznetsova re-focused in the proceeding set. She drew the first blood in the second game and cruised to a 3-0 lead. The Russian held her remaining serve and after cashing another break chance
in the last game, she sealed the equaliser by winning six games to two.
In the deciding set, the Russian carried her momentum. She smoothly maintained her intensity and swiped entire serves with poise. Kuznetsova got the breakthrough in the last game and subsequently clinched the decider with a 7-5 score line.
Kuznetsova will face off the ninth seed, Marion Bartoli from France. The French number one eased past the South African challenger, Chanelle Scheepers, in straight sets to set up this clash.
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