Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Dominika Cibulkova – Quarterfinal Preview: UNICEF Open 2011
Russian tennis player Svetlana Kuznetsova will take on Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia on Thursday in the quarterfinal of 2011 UNICEF Open here in Hertogenbosch.
Kuznetsova came back from a set deficit against Sara Errani on Wednesday 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-1 to book her place in the last eight of the Women’s Tennis Association tournament. Taking part in her first grass court competition of the
season, Kuznetsova thrashed out Local Arantxa Rus in her opening match 6-2, 6-4.
After top seeded Kim Clijsters suffered an upset defeat at the hands of Romina Oprandi, Kuznetsova is the highest remaining seed at the tournament. The 25-year-old is a very dangerous player as she has amazing grass court skills.
Ranked 12th in the world, Kuznetsova is having a decent time on the tour since the year 2011 has started. She started the season with a quarterfinal appearance at Sydney. At the Australian Open, she made it to the fourth
round to earn valuable WTA ranking points. Continuing her impressive run, the Russian made it to the finals of Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Just a couple of weeks ago, she made it to the quarterfinal of 2011 French Open, year’s second Grand Slam tournament.
Dominika Cibulkova on the other hand booked her quarterfinal berth here with a stunning 6-0, 6-1 victory over Kristina Barrois. Earlier in her first round match, she eased past Romanian Simona Halep 6-3, 6-0. The Slovakian has
looked to be in great form throughout this week as she dropped only four games in the tournament.
Cibulkova is also having a very reasonable time on the tour since the start of this season. Although she failed to reach considerable results during the clay court season, she has started the green surface season with a lot of
confidence. Considering her performances in the last week or so, she can definitely create problems for the Russian.
The two players have met each other on six previous occasions on the WTA tour. Kuznetsova emerged victorious in their first three clashes however it was Cibulkova who secured victory in the last their last three meetings. Although
Kuznetsova and Cibulkova know each other quite well, they can expect a few surprises as this is the first grass court meeting between them.
Both player posses key weapons which they can use very effectively against each other. Kuznetsova has a very strong a backhand and forehand shot which she can execute perfectly even from the difficult of positions. Cibulkova can
play strong ground strokes and she has the ability to play her natural game under pressure. A tight encounter is expected however by virtue of her form and recent performances Kuznetsova is expected to win the match in three tight sets.
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