After playing her best tennis of the year in downing Venus Williams in round 2, Poland’s 3rd seed, Agnieszka Radwanska, didn’t just stumble in today’s match, she was completely dominated by former French Open Champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova. All the pieces came together for Svetlana who backed her cunning strategy with a full repertoire of powerful shot-making that marked her best performance this year. In this match, Kuznetsova graduated from also-ran status to strong contender in her one hour dominance of the sweet swinging Radwanska, 6-1, 6-2.

Agnieszka Radwanska out of French Open 2012

Both players had 16 unforced errors but the 26th seed had 27 outright winners compared to Radwanska’s 11. Whatever Agnieszka tried, Svetlana had the answers The Russian appears at home on the red clay of Roland Garros. Today’s win was redemption from a disappointing last 12 months when the 2 time Grand Slam Champion has struggled with conditioning and focus.

Kuznetsova’s next match will be against another upset winner, Sara Errani of Italy. The 21st seed took out the 13th seed, and a former French Open Champion, Ana Ivanovic in three quality sets, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Samantha Stosur, a finalist in Paris two years ago and the reigning US Open Champion moved on and can anticipate a strong performance by Sloane Stephens, a young American power player. Stosur Has worked on her defensive backhand that will be tested by Stephens.

Top seed Victoria Azarenka sometimes looks like she is fighting herself. She seems to be playing ahead of herself and out of focus. After barely escaping the first round, Canada’s Aleksandra Wozniak who offered a stubborn challenge before succumbing 6-4, 6-4. As week one nears conclusion, the most impressive tennis has been played by a dominant Maria Sharapova and the 7th seed Li Na, who will be in action tomorrow.

The Men

Big guns Djokovic and Federer advanced. Djokovic cruised but Roger had to withstand a challenge from homeboy Nicolas Mahut who took the Swiss to four sets. When Mahut won the second set, the crowd became very demonstrative. Federer regrouped and methodically went about his surgical performance.

5th seed Jo Willy Tsonga set Fabio Fognini down in straight sets and Juan Martin del Potro (9) silenced Marin Cilic in three sets.

France’s Giles Simon (11) was upset by Stanislas Wawrinka (18) in five sets. Andreas Seppi (22) had it working today as he downed Fernando Verdasco (14) who is having a difficult season.

The most impressive match of the day featured hard hitting Tomaz Berdych (7) and fireballer Kevin Anderson (31). Down 2 sets to 1, Berdych managed a break in each of the following sets and won 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4. This was a test of wills and this time Berdych’s more diverse tools were the difference.

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