Svetlana Kuznetsova was born in St Petersburg, Russia in the Soviet Union on June 27, 1985. Svetlana is a Russian professional tennis player. Svetlana won the 2004 United States Open and the 2009 French Open singles titles. She has also been the runner up at the 2006 French Open and the 2007 United States Open, coming second both times to the Belgian player Justine Henin. As at May 17, 2010 Svetlana is ranked at number six in the world singles female tennis players.

Svetlana’s father, Aleksandr Kuznetsov has coached five Olympic and world cycling champions in his career as a cycling coach. One of the most successful athletes coached by Aleksandr has been Svetlana’s mother Galina Tsareva. Galina is a six time world champion and holds twenty world records. Another of his award winning athletes is Aleksandr’s son Nikolay. Nikolay is a silver medalist from the 1996 Summer Olympics which were held in Atlanta in the United States of America. Svetlana also tried cycling, but found that it did not suit her and that it was boring.

Svetlana became focused on tennis and when thirteen years old went to Spain for coaching. Whilst in Spain Svetlana became fluent in the Spanish language. Her style has been described as all round. Her game is suited to all surfaces. She has a strong serve and a heavy forehand game. Svetlana is considered to be on of the more physically strong players out of the current tournament players. Her game is strong with good footwork and movement around the court. She is capable of sliding on all of the major playing surfaces. Svetlana is known for her spectacular running, passing and between the legs shots when in form, her volleys are also very effective and she has what is known as deft touch.