Navratilova and Kuznetsova

[Brandon]

Russian hotshot heads for coast

One of the hottest young stars in tennis, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, will make her Gold Coast debut at the Uncle Tobys Hardcourts at Royal Pines Resort from December 28 to January 4.

Following her success in 2001 as the world No.1 junior, this 17-year-old Russian sensation made 2002 a dream debut year, improving her ranking more than 200 places to be currently positioned at No. 43 in the world.

After winning WTA Tour events in Bali and Helsinki, as well as securing three WTA doubles titles, Kuznetsova has given notice that she is set for further success in the future. She has been given a wildcard into the Uncle Tobys Hardcourts singles and Smylie predicts that the top seeds will be hoping to avoid her in the early rounds.

In another bonus for the event, Kuznetsova will partner Martina Navratilova in the doubles event. "I have spoken with Martina and she is very excited about playing doubles with Svetlana," Smylie said. "I am sure they will make a formidable team and Martina is predicting they will be playing on finals day."

[Catriel]

Martina!! She is so big!
I still remember the times when I was a child and she played with Gaby Sabatini!

[Brandon]

hehehe, but she isn't very tall around 5 ft 7 1/2

[The Chloe]

Yay! I'm taller than Martina 1


Do you know how long they plan to play together? Is Martina looking for a permanent partner? DO you think that maybe she is looking to help Sveta's development or something along those lines, seeing as both have been associated with ASV and co?

[Brandon]

No, this is a one off. I've heard that Arantxa and Emilo were pretty keen for this to happen on the gold coast as soon as Martina said she was playing.

Martina is committed with Iroda for 2003. They are undecided about Sydney but are confirmed for the OZ.

It makes me think Martina is saying goodbye for good

[The Chloe]

At least she is playing Oz though!

That will suck for you I guess when she does go for good - again - and you have to say bye to your fave - again. Rough and rocky times for fans of any "martina" eh? heh

I do recall reading she would pair with Iroda, now that you mention it(many a bad joke is also being recalled, sadly).

Thanks for the info.

I do hope they play in Canada again, if she keeps playing that long - I will be in Toronto this year and would loooovvveee to see her first round doubles!