Kuznetsova works really hard

Kuznetsova practising

Immediately before her semi-final against Kim Clijsters, Kuznetsova put in a heavy practise session.

I saw this type of work dedication from her last year, when still a virtual unknown, after winning the semi (she eventually won in the final 2004) she was unhappy with some aspect of her game and went back onto the court to practise. Then later the same day in the evening, after she and Likhotseva had won their ladies doubles semi, again Kuznetsova stayed behind to practise, much to the annoyance of some ground staff who were held up in packing things up and heading off home.

It's easy for me to say it now, but at the time I was impressed with the work effort of the eventual US Open Champion.