Switzerland's Roger Federer serves to Russia's Mikhail Youzhny during the final of Dubai Tennis Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday March 3, 2007.
Photo: AP
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Russian Tennis Players Lose at Two Strokes
// Svetlana Kuznetsova – to Justine Henin, and Mikhail Yuzhny – to Roger Federer
Russian tennis players managed to win two tournaments on Saturday. However, Svetlana Kuznetsova lost to Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final of Doha tournament, and Mikhail Yuzhny – to Roger Federer in the decisive match of the tournament in Dubai. Federer’s victory saved his chances for adding another record to the list of his achievements, -- the record number of matches won in succession.
Mikhail Yuzhny had had eight matches with Roger Federer before, but never won. This time was no exception. Yet, Yuzhny spoke calmly of his defeat: “The week went pretty well for me. Roger is simply too strong a rival. Last year here in Dubai, I took five games against him, this time – already seven. I hope I will be strong enough next year to outplay him,” said Yuzhny.
Qatar hosted chief events of women’s tennis last week. Svetlana Kuznetsova played against Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final of Doha tournament. The statistics of their previous meetings was originally not in favor of the Russian player. Henin was leading 13:1.
It did not became better for Kuznetsova after the match on Saturday. She had some chances – leading 4:2 in the first set. Yet, she seems to have developed a certain ‘Henin complex’ which prevented her from winning.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Mar. 05, 2007
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