Kuznetsova claims French Open title

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Kuznetsova, the seventh seed, posted a 6-4 6-2 victory on Philippe Chatrier court as top seed Safina was struck by stage fright for the third time in a major final.

She was looking to authenticate her position as world number one by winning a first grand slam but she put in a dreadful display under grey skies in Paris.

A double-fault on match point summed her performance up. Her shoddy serve was broken five times in all and Kuznetsova - the only player to defeat Safina on clay this year - simply feasted on her mistakes.

This title adds to the one Kuznetsova claimed at the US Open in 2004.

Kuznetsova paid tribute to Safina following her triumph, and said on Eurosport: "She's done so well, and she's number one so she's a better player than me at the moment.

"She was tired and had so much pressure on her but I want to wish her the best of luck for the future."

This was Kuznetsova's second major and her first French title, and she said she could feel it coming.

She added: "When I was coming on to the court, I knew everything was going to be alright and I would play my best game.

"I was pretty calm, but this is a big moment for me."