Tennis-Open-Former champion Kuznetsova into quarters

NEW YORK, Sep 3 (Reuters) Former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova booked a quarter-final berth at the US Open today after beating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus by 6-2 6-3.

It was an efficient 74-minute performance from the fourth-seeded Russian, champion in 2004, who set up a meeting with 18-year-old Hungarian Agnes Szavay.

''I am feeling I am getting better every match,'' Kuznetsova told reporters.

''This is what it's about in grand slams, you don't have to play your best match in the first round. As long as you go better and better with each match, that's very important.

''I'm really confident about my game.'' The 18-year-old Azarenka, who beat another former champion, Martina Hingis, in the previous round, looked overawed as Kuznetsova cruised through the first set.

Azarenka then lifted her game and led 2-0 in the second but Kuznetsova won six of the next seven games to reach the last eight for the first time since her 2004 triumph.

''It was very windy and I guess she was quite nervous and was making a lot of unforced errors,'' Kuznetsova said.

''I didn't want to let her back into the match and I think I played well in the second set.'' Kuznetsova played Szavay in the final of the WTA event in New Haven the week before the US Open and trailed 4-6 3-0 when the Hungarian quit with a back injury.

''I think it's very good because the first set in New Haven I didn't know what to expect but now I can prepare better.

''It's a really tough match but if I play my game I have my chances,'' she said.

REUTERS PY KP2357