by Brian Webber, Special to FOXSports.com

Safina has already made history by becoming the top-ranked player in the world this year. She and her brother Marat are the first siblings to both achieve that feat. Now Dinara can bring another major championship to a family that has excelled in tennis. Her parents run the famed Spartak Tennis Club in Moscow that was instrumental in shaping the careers of WTA stars such as Elena Dementieva and Anastasia Myskina. Safina's most valuable lessons may have been learned as a teenager training in Valencia, Spain. The Russian gained an understanding of the subtleties of playing on clay that have helped her reach her second consecutive French Open singles final.

Kuznetsova's family earned their sports reputation on a bicycle. Her father has coached several Olympic cycling champions, while her mother and brother have both won titles on cycling tracks. Svetlana may have gained a perspective on endurance from her parents. Few players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour can match Kuznetsova's stamina. Kuznetsova dabbled in her family's sport but wound up having more interest in tennis. Like Safina, Svetlana's passion took her to Spain. Kuznetsova trained in Barcelona before turning pro in 2000.

2009 French Open

 Results:

• Day 14: Kuznetsova tops Safina for title
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 Analysis:

• Cronin: Kuznetsova's long journey

 Multimedia:

• A look at Federer's Grand Slam wins
• Photos: Federer makes tennis history
• Video: Check out all the highlights
• Photos: Kuznetsova wins French title
• Photos: Final rounds | Early rounds

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• Tennis Week: Analysis, video and more
• Richard's Court: Inside the tennis world
• Tennis Channel: French Open coverage

The championship match at Roland Garros will be the 14th meeting between the two players. Safina has won eight of their previous matches. The Russians have split their prior eight matches on clay. There should be no secrets on the court between these competitors squaring off in their third singles final this spring. Kuznetsova defeated Safina to win the title in Stuttgart, but the world No. 1 rebounded to capture the championship in Rome.

Kuznetsova could be dealing with some physical pain in the singles final in Paris. She rolled her ankle in her quarterfinal win over Serena Williams and needed assistance from a trainer to address the injury in her semifinal victory over Samantha Stosur. Still, the No. 7 seed was still able to slide smoothly on the clay in her match with Stosur to cover shots landing inside the service line. Kuznetsova's outstanding conditioning should serve her well in the final. The Russian was extended to three sets in her last three matches but had enough energy to close out the wins.

Safina's primary concern may be her emotions. The top seed was volatile in her semifinal win over Dominika Cibulkova. Safina lost her concentration in several of her service games and was slowed by seven costly double faults. However, Safina has demonstrated in recent months she can control her emotions in pressure-filled situations. She will need to demonstrate that maturity as she goes after her first Grand Slam title. Nerves should be less of a factor than when Safina lost to Ana Ivanovic in the championship match last June in Paris.

Safina and Kuznetsova should produce some memorable baseline battles and intense rallies. Safina has improved her fitness over the last two years and has demonstrated impressive mobility in Paris. Both players have won a doubles Grand Slam title and are adept at volleying if the action moves to the front of the court.

Before coming to Paris, Safina asked for support in the court of public opinion. Some critics have focused on the fact that Safina achieved the No. 1 ranking without winning a Grand Slam singles championship. Safina said that her detractors must be "jealous that I'm so young and No. 1." Dinara can have the final word on the court in the French capital.