WTA Moscow Open: Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Tsvetana Pironkova

Svetlana Kuznetsova will take on Tsvetana Pironkova on Thursday in the second round of the Kremlin Cup.

Svetlana Kuznetsova made an efficient start to her Kremlin Cup campaign this week, beating Alize Cornet of France in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). The world No. 19 is aiming to win her first title of the season, and she’ll at least come close of she maintains her first round form.

Speaking after her match against Cornet, Kuznetsova revealed, “The situation in today's clash and in our previous meeting with Alize (Cornet) in this season's Fed Cup opening round match, which she won, were very much alike. I was trailing 2-0 again in the second after winning the first set. But this time I managed to come back into the match and win.”

The Russian seems confident about her chances this week. "It's the end of the season but I'm not tired at all as I was playing not so much this season. I feel myself strong enough and I'd like to go as far as possible here."

Kuznetsova will now face Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round. Pironkova’s not been at her best this season, and she’s lost all three of her previous matches against Kuznetsova. It looks like the favourite will prevail.