Svetlana Kuznetsova Biography

Birthdate: June 7, 1985
Birthplace: Leningrad, Russia

When you are watching the Australian Open, keep a close eye on Svetlana Kuznetsova. We got the 411 on this Russian tennis star!

Growing Up

There is no question that Svetlana inherited some good athletic genes - only she chose to utilize that natural talent in another sport. Svetlana comes from a family of world-class cyclists. Her father has coached five Olympic cyclists including Svetlana's mom and brother. Svetlana participated in the sport as well, but gave it up at a young age to play the sport she really loved: tennis. When she was just 13, she left Russia for Spain to get better training in tennis.

Career

Svetlana turned pro in 2000 at the young age of 15. She started to gain recognition at the end of 2002, where she finished the year ranked in the top 50 and was named the Newcomer of the Year. Her breakout season came in 2004, where she took home her first grand slam by winning the U.S. Open that year. She also peaked in her doubles career, reaching a ranking as high as third in the world. After her U.S. Open victory, Svetlana's career went through a slump, which lasted almost two years. She bounced back in 2006 when she almost captured another grand slam by reaching the finals at the French Open. Svetlana is back at the top of her game and as of January 2008, she is currently ranked number two in the world.

Playing Style

Svetlana has reached a lot of success of the court because of strong forehand. She arguablyhas best forehand in women's tennis - even the game's most elite players have trouble hitting it. She also has a strong backhand and is known to be a good mover on the court - particularly on the baseline. Off the court, Svetlana is one of the most popular players with the fans and media because of her winning personality and easy going manner.

Did U Know?

Svetlana Kuznetsova's nicknames are Sveta and Kuzzi.

Svetlana Kuznetsova is 5'9" tall and weighs 160 pounds.

Svetlana Kuznetsova is sponsored by Fila and Head rackets.

Svetlana Kuznetsova trains at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona, Spain.

Svetlana Kuznetsova's favorite movies are Love, Actually and Save the Last Dance.

Svetlana Kuznetsova has earned more than $8 million in prize money throughout her career.

Svetlana Kuznetsova Says...

"First thing for me is be a good person before being a good player, you know. I don’t know. I just love to have fun. I’m just happy to live. You know, life is short and you have to enjoy. I make jokes with every girl. I don’t know, I just feel friendly with everybody."

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