Porsche Grand Prix Tennis, Stuttgart

[9] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. [49] Laura Siegemund (GER)

Siegemund has proven that she enjoys playing on home soil.  Last year she made it all the way to the final, en route she defeated three top ten players before losing to the number three ranked player, Angelique Kerber, in straight sets.  In their two previous encounters, Siegemund won their only meeting on clay, but it had gone the distance so I expected Kuznetsova to make this a battle as well.  Despite losing in straight sets, this was a battle as well but Kuznetsova just could not stay consistent enough to outplay her opponent.  She appeared a tad lethargic and mentally just was not ready to commit fully to the battle.  Siegemund won 6-4, 6-3 and keeps on elating the German crowd with her inspired play here.

Some players rise to the occasion when playing on home soil and some just seem to crumple under the pressure, not Siegemund.  This tournament seems to bring out the best in her; she enjoys the attention and feeds off the energy.  She is on to the quarterfinals and needs to get to the final to avoid falling in the rankings; however, there are some tough players still in the draw that she will have to defeat to do so.  Would I bet against her? No, she seems to find that extra something when she plays at home.  I am still curious to see if she can replicate last year’s feat.

SOURCE OF IMAGE:  Zimbio