Kuznetsova wins French Open

Svetlana Kuznetsova won the women's French Open title with a routine 6-4, 6-2 win over Dinara Safina at Roland Garros. But all eyes will be on Roger Federer today as he seeks to win his first French title and a record equalling 14th grand slam title.

The Swiss is up against Swede Robin Soderling, the world number 25 and conqueror of Federer's arch rival Rafael Nadal.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:Steve Bierley, Observer: "The excellence, strength and drama of the men's game has thrown women's tennis into a particularly harsh light and it has become too easy to be overly critical. However, there is little doubt that the quality at the top is at a low ebb and when Steffi Graf came on to present the trophies after Svetlana Kuznetsova had won the second all-­Russian French Open final, 6-4 6-2 against Dinara Safina, it was impossible not to feel an immediate yearning for the past.

"There has not been a truly memorable women's final at Roland Garros since Jennifer Capriati defeated Kim Clijsters 1-6 6-4 12-10 in 2001. Perhaps the return of the Belgian at the US Open will engender some sort of rejuvenation, though what the women's game really needs is a player who can rise above and beyond the phalanx of baseline bashers. In this respect, Kuznetsova deserved her victory this afternoon for the greater variety she displayed, even though her palette is not exactly brimming with vibrant colour."

Barry Flatman, Sunday Times: "Numerous are the sport’s legends who have failed to complete their collection of major trophies because of the playing vagaries of the French Open's terre battue and the mental pressures involved in chasing the elusive Coupe des Mousquetaires. They will forever acknowledge that their failure at Roland Garros resulted in a void that will leave question marks over their accomplishments and a nagging feeling in their mind. Yet they are all aware that today's final could not only produce the defining victory of Federer's career so far but a potentially momentous landmark in the history of the game."

Mike Dickson, Mail on Sunday: "Sometimes it has been torturous to watch but Federer is nearly there and only world No 25 Robin Soderling, the man who has done more than anything to smooth his passage to immortality by removing Rafael Nadal, stands in his way." ·