Kuznetsova saves four match points, wins Washington WTA title

Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova saved four match points and rallied to defeat Croatia's Donna Vekic and win her 18th career WTA title at the Washington Open.

The 33-year-old Russian, ranked 128th in the world, defeated 44th-ranked Vekic 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-2 for her first WTA title since 2016 in Moscow. It was also Kuznetsova's first title since left wrist surgery that had sidelined her earlier this year.

"I know I've been a little bit lucky today," Kuznetsova said.

Kuznetsova, winner of the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open, claimed a second Washington title to go with the one she won in 2014, her only other appearance.

"There's something going on with Washington," Kuznetsova said. "I never lose here. I played two times and I won both."
"Tennis is not an easy game. It's not easy when you lose with match points up. But I love this sport. Hopefully I can be in some more finals and win some more titles."
A sympathetic Kuznetsova offered condolences, praising her effort and saying, "I'm sure your victories will come."
"Tennis is a little bit difficult sport. When you lose it's really bad and when you win you have everything."