French Open: Kuznetsova Powers Into Final Four at Roland Garros

Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Kaia Kanepi in the last eight of the French Open today, ensuring the second semi-final at Rolan Garros will be an all-Russian affair.

Kuznetsova, seeded four, beat the unseeded Kanepi 7-5, 6-2 to set up a clash with either Elena Dementieva or Dinara Safina in the final four.

Estonian Kanepi gained the early advantage in the match on Suzanne Lenglen Court, breaking Kuznetsova to move 4-2 ahead. The big-serving 22-year-old was then just a point from going 5-2 up before Kuznetsova battled back to level the set at 5-5.

The Russian player broke her opponent in the 11th game and held her serve to love to claim the opening set.

Kuznetsova, who is the only grand slam winner left in the women's draw, enjoyed a more one-sided second set as Kanepi's inexperience began to show and the errors became more frequent. Two early breaks allowed Kuznetsova to power 5-2 ahead and she sealed the match on her first match point with a forehand winner down the line.