Kuznetsova's Wildcard Snub Raises Eyebrows in Dubai

Svetlana Kuznetsova being passed over for a wildcard at this week's WTA event in Dubai drew many reactions including from Serena Williams.

By Erik Gudris

(February 20th, 2013) -- Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova may call Dubai home at least for tax purposes, but the two-time Major champion didn't feel like she got a hometown welcome after being snubbed for a wildcard into this week's WTA event.

Kuznetsova, currently ranked No. 48, was not ranked high enough prior to the entry list being finalized to earn direct into the $2,000,000 event. When she did not receive a wildcard despite being a former finalist, Kuznetsova took to Twitter and said, "Someone can explain me the Wild Cards of Dubai??? What a choice."

Marion Bartoli, Laura Robson and Yulia Putintseva all received wildcards and that forced Kuznetsova to win three qualifying rounds in order to gain a berth into the main draw. Those extra matches may have been too much for the Russian as she fell rather easily to Roberta Vinci 6-3, 6-2 yesterday in the first round.

When asked about Kuznetsova being passed over for a wildcard, Serena Williams said she thought the exclusion was weird based on Kuznetsova's Grand Slam resume. "It’s kind of weird, but she’ll be back and then she’ll be fine, so she doesn’t have a lot to worry about. “(If that were me) I would request a wildcard, and if I didn’t get one, I probably wouldn’t play.” (Source: Sport360.com)

Kuznetsova after losing to Vinci admitted playing qualies was still a strange experience for her. “It's so weird, but still, I made it through, and I hope I don't have to do it again," said Kuznetsova. "I do feel that I deserve wildcard, but sometimes it's hard situations. But I appreciate the support of Serena.”

(Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve)