Kuznetsova came from a set down to see off Bernarda Pera 3-6, 7-6, 6-3 with 64% 1st serve and 2nd serve at 37% while also saving 6/13 break points and converting 8/16.

The Russian is one of the big names not to come from a stint at the US Open but her opening result saw her lose to the in-form Eugenie Bouchard who went on to reach the final so it is a confidence booster ahead of Roland Garros at the very least.

Speaking of Russian players, Daria Kasatkina is also through after breezing past Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-2.

She had to come through qualifiers so has had more time on court compared to Zvonareva who has just come from the US Open winning the doubles title so jet lag could play a factor.

https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1305900369806012419?s=20