Women's Third Round Has a Russian Flavor

WIMBLEDON, England, June 27 -- If you compiled a list of the countries with a rich tradition of producing Wimbledon champions, you might start by scribbling down the United States, Australia, England and Germany.

But it's hardly news that Russia has scrambled the sport's global pecking order. A glance at the 32 women who advanced to Wimbledon's third round this year underscores the point.

Nine of the 32 are from Russia -- more than from any other nation. The United States, Australia, all of Great Britain and Germany combined to account for four. Three U.S. players advanced to the third round: Venus and Serena Williams and Bethanie Mattek. Australia was represented by Casey Dellacqua until she was ousted Friday by Nicole Vaidisova. And Great Britain and Germany had none.

Some credit the explosion of top Russian players to Anna Kournikova, who never won a singles title but proved it was possible to make a living, and a handsome one at that, at the sport.

Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 U.S. Open champion, said it's the question she is asked most often: What accounts for the Russian women's success? "More than I get asked what's my name," she added.

Kuznetsova said the reason lies in what the Russians lacked growing up, rather than what they were given.

"We had nothing easy," Kuznetsova said Friday. "We have no big federation who gives us money or who supports us. There are great people in our [tennis] federation, but each player has parents behind who push."

Kuznetsova's parents were champion cyclists. As a youngster, she practiced in gyms without heat, despite freezing temperatures.

"Because we had no support, we grow up strong," she said. "We are very tough."

Moreover, the young Russians are extremely competitive, she said, pushing one another to improve. "That's what it's about on the court. . . . It's a mental game."

Gimelstob Controversy?

Serena Williams, the marquee player of Washington's new TeamTennis franchise, the Washington Kastles, said Friday that she had heard nothing about the remarks her teammate-to-be, Justin Gimelstob, made during interviews with sports-talk radio and The Washington Post's D.C. Sports Bog regarding certain female players and, in particular, Kournikova.

During her postmatch interview at Wimbledon, Williams was asked what she thought about Gimelstob's characterizations.

"I think those comments probably aren't necessary," Williams said. "And being pro-women's rights, I just think we've come further than to be referred to -- I don't cuss -- unless you see me on the court -- but traditionally, I don't use that language.

"But Anna is a great girl. For anyone to say that about her, it's kind of -- what can I say -- totally unprofessional. It's just totally uncalled for."

After Long Road, a Win

It's doubtful any player was more grateful to reach Wimbledon's second week than Croatia's Mario Ancic, 24, who missed the last four Grand Slams because of mononucleosis.

Ancic had a daunting third-round opponent Friday in fifth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain. But he was so thrilled for the chance to appear on Centre Court again, he paid no mind to the odds. So it was understandable that after upsetting Ferrer, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3), he knelt and kissed the grass.

"It was almost like saying: 'Here I am back again. Thanks,' " Ancic said. "I love this court at Wimbledon. It means so much to me."