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Kuznetsova the Sage Dishes on Respect



Svetlana Kuznetsova has been a revelation in 2016. The Russian has demonstrated so much character in transforming herself from a player who struggled with inconsistency and fitness issues to a tried-and-true blue veteran who wins with focus, grit and professionalism.

More: Nishikori Notches First Win over Del Potro to Reach Basel Semis

There are many who have said over the years that “you just don’t know what you’re going to get” when it comes to the Russian. It used to be true. The two-time major champion sort of went through a soft patch in her career. Maybe it was motivation. Maybe it was health. Maybe she just couldn’t put things together to get hot and stay lot long enough to make an impact at the majors and the rankings.

But the talent was always there. Kuznetsova’s ability to stroke a beautiful ball, with pace, spin, angle? There. Kuznetsova’s hands, footwork, finishing skills? There. Now, there is also this veteran’s poise, and a fighting spirit.

It’s been incredible to watch Kuznetsova shed her skin and learn to win consistently again on the tour. And one of the reasons her rise has been so enjoyable is because it has made her a relevant personality again. She’s a deep woman with lots to say. In the above clip (click play inside the Twitter and enjoy the wisdom) she chats with reporters about what earns her respect, giving her take on what makes a professional a true, commendable professional. She doesn’t condescend. She’s not arrogant or cocky in any way. She’s just Sveta. Being Sveta.

“The road in the circuit is so long,” Kuznetsova says. “You come when you’re 16 you can be so dumb. You can change of course because you learn… Sometimes the lessons are cruel, they are very tough on you. [When you are young and starting out fast] you can put your nose high and then in couple years you understand you get beaten every single week. Then you realize it’s not only dependent on your results. We’re all humans and we have to have respect.”

Hopefully young kids are watching her and learning. She’s been a great role model in 2016, both on the court and off of it.

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