Russian planning to use doubles experience

Dubai: World No 5 and losing semifinalist Svetlana Kuznetsova wants to use her doubles experience to improve on her singles rankings on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

"The doubles does come in handy, and that is why I feel the need to play as many doubles as possible," Kuznetsova said after her loss to former world No 1 Justine Henin in the singles semifinals.

Kuznetsova had her chances against the Belgian, but somehow saw a completely different opponent in the deciding set and was swept off 6-0.

"I feel I am physically fit and it is only a matter of time and the number of matches I am going to be playing," Kuznetsova stated.

The Russian world No five, who has 13 doubles career titles compared to eight in the singles, felt that she is slowly getting match intensity as she progresses in her career.

In fact, Kuznetsova had a best ranking of No 3 in the doubles compared to the No 4 she scaled in the singles in October 2004.

Intensity on the rise

"The intensity level is going up slowly and it won't be long before I start being the player I used to be," the Russian warned.

That intensity was witnessed during her semifinal against Henin yesterday, but for a shorter time.

Kuznetsova dominated a much superior opponent, but could not keep pace in the third set as Henin powered past her without giving her a chance.

"I should be able to sustain the intensity," she admitted. "But the good thing is that the intensity is there."