Kuznetsova: There are 'less great players,' but WTA remains very deep

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—Svetlana Kuznetsova says that having a lot of top names sidelined has affected the women's game, but there is still a high level of play.

Four Grand Slam champions are not playing in Indian Wells: Serena Williams, who is injured; Victoria Azarenka, who had a baby and won’t return until the summer; Maria Sharapova, who was suspended for 15 months and won’t return until April; and Petra Kvitova, who was attacked at the end of last year and isn’t sure exactly when she can play again.

“For sure, it's a shame for the fans and it's great to see all these great players playing,” the two-time Grand Slam champion said. “But I'm not sure if it's that open, because I believe tennis these past years, the level [has] raised a lot. All matches are so difficult. It doesn't matter who is playing. It's so difficult to win.

"Yes, it's less great players. But still, the players are getting better and better, and I just look forward for all those players to get back and have those great fields again.”

Kuznetsova reached the 2007 and 2008 finals in Indian Wells.

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