Russian star Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated world number one Dinara Safina to lift the 2009 French Open Ladies Singles trophy. This is Kuznetsova's second Grand Slam event title after her triumph in U.S. Open, way back in 2004. Interestingly, Kuznetsova's first Grand Slam title also came at the expense of a Russian, back then it was Elena Dementieva, and today it is Dinara Safina.

Kuznetsova started the match in style breaking Safina in the opening game, but got broken right back due to Safina's resistance. After another exchange of breaks, Kuznetsova pocketed a crucial one in the ninth game to serve out the set which she duly did.

The second set saw Kuznetsova go for a 3-2 lead when Safina's struggle with her serve continued. And from that game onwards, Kuznetsova didn't give many chances to the World No. 1 and won the match 6-4, 6-2.

“Today I think she was too tight,” Kuznetsova said. “She had so much pressure on her. But I could bring my better game today—that’s why I won.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time,” Kuznetsova said. “Really, I didn’t expect it to happen this year, but I give my best, I played with all my heart, I had unbelievable matches, I had unbelievable support. It’s my favorite tournament.”

Safina, who made constant efforts to hide her acute disappointment said in a shaky voice - “Here I am back in the same situation as last year. Hopefully one day I can win here.”

With a win kuznetsova collected the winner's check of $1.5 million, whereas Safina took home the runner's up check of $750,000.



And in the men's doubles action, No. 3 seeds Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes registered a come-from-behind victory over unseeded pair of Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win their first Grand Slam title together as a team.