The WTA Finals have become a tournament crying out for a heroine after Serena Williams pulled out. After four days, the call has been answered by perhaps the last person anyone might have predicted -- 31-year-old Svetlana Kuznetsova.On Wednesday in Singapore, Kuznetsova played the lead role in an epic that rivaled her dramatic three-set win two days earlier against Agnieszka Radwanska. Kuznetsova outlasted US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova in another agonizingly close tug-of-war lasting 2 hours, 17 minutes, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6). Just as importantly, she has so enthralled and energized the crowd, that anyone planning to ask for a ticket refund because of Williams absence probably decided to hang on to those seats.As long as I got here at the last moment, I decided I wouldnt let myself -- or anybody else -- down, Kuznetsova told the on-court interviewer as the crowd unleashed another roar of approval following her last win.Kuznetsova came to these championships like a guest mistakenly showing up at a dinner party to which she wasnt invited, featuring people who arent exactly her crowd. But coming out of nowhere is Kuznetsovas default mode of arrival. Thats how she won singles trophies at the French and US Opens. It also helps explain why Kuznetsova has never been to the the semifinals of the WTA Finals before. Consistency and surprise are incompatible.Beyond that, Kuznetsova has always been something of a misfit on the tour. Her family is athletic royalty in Russia (brother Nikolay was an Olympic silver medalist in cycling), but her talent has always been bundled in a sensitive, introspective sensibility. To some, Kuznetsova is a textbook example of the proverbial soulful Russian, winning major events to take a place among the worlds tennis elite while sustaining a love-hate relationship with the sport.Kuznetsova qualified for these championships with a desperate, late-season push. She was obliged to win the Kremlin Cup (where she was defending champ) during the final week of the regular WTA Tour season in order to displace Johanna Konta at No. 8. Kuznetsova arrived in Singapore the day after she won in Moscow, and barely 24 hours before, she would play her first round-robin match. She was jet-lagged and in a group that included talented, highly touted youngsters Madison Keys, Pliskova and Garbine Muguruza.Whats easily forgotten, though, is that Kuznetsova is one of those people who will always surprise you. When inspiration strikes, she sloughs off the negativity that sometimes haunts her and is nothing less than brilliant. When inspiration strikes, she is capable of anything. That includes taking scissors to her own hair during a changeover, as the Singapore crowd witnessed Monday.Irritated by the way her French braid lashed her eyes and face every time she hit a forehand, Kuznetsova asked the umpire to have scissors delivered and then proceeded to cut off a few inches of her braid. Either she isnt familiar with the biblical tale of Samson, or she just figured its a guy thing.It was bothering me a lot, she told the press later. When I was hitting the forehands, I hit a good shot and it would hit my eyes. I thought, Whats more important? My hair, which can grow, or the match?How do you argue with that logic? Moreover, it was classic Kuznetsova, in that she was at the very end of the line when they handed out vanity.Few imagined that Kuznetsova could rebound from that debilitating, 2-hour, 48-minutes effort against Radwanska. But she produced another gem of consistent ball-striking and unrivaled court coverage. Theres isnt a quicker, more mobile player on the WTA Tour. What a point guard she would make.After Kuznetsova advanced, the emcee asked her where her extraordinary stamina and energy came from. From my heart, she replied. Something changed this year. I enjoy my game, and I enjoy the crowd.Once again, Kuznetsova is showing up where shes least expected. On this occasion, shes certainly welcomed. Cheap Nike Zoom Canada Free Shipping . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. 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Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup.Novak Djokovic can achieve a historic sixth title win when he faces Kei Nishikori in the Miami Open final on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 6pm. The world No 1 can secure a record 28th ATP Masters trophy, surpassing the record he shares with Rafael Nadal, and will also match the career record of six Miami crowns won by Andre Agassi.Nishikori stands in the way of the Serb after a stylish 6-3 7-5 semi-final win over Nick Kyrgios and the Japanese player showed his battling qualities while saving five match points in a quarter-final victory over Gael Monfils. Highlights of Novak Djokovic v David Goffin from the semi-finals of the Miami Open Djokovic was forced to work for his win over David Goffin in the semis, trading breaks with the Belgian player in the opening set, before he advanced 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.In their eight previous match, Djokovic has won on six occasions, with his most recent triumph coming in straight sets in the quarter-finals of this years Australian Open. The Serb has a dominant record against Nishikori World No 6 Nishikori has reached only his second ATP Masters final and is paying little attention to his past record against the Serb.Hes playing really good tennis. Its going to be tough, said Nishikori. Im not going to do something crazy. Im playing good. If I can maintain this, I have some chance. I have nothing to lose playing against him.dddddddddddd Ill try something different and well see what happens in the final. Kei Nishikori He has beaten me many times but every time is a different situation. Ive been playing well. Physically Im in good condition.I have nothing to lose playing against him. Ill try something different and well see what happens in the final.Djokovic was beaten by Nishikori in the 2014 US Open semi-final and does not think his opponent will experience any big-match nerves. Highlights of Nick Kyrgios v Kei Nishikori from the semi-finals of the Miami Open He does look very composed on the court so I dont think hes going to feel any much different because weve played against each other so many times, said Djokovic, who is seeking a Miami-Indian Wells double for the third year in a row.He is somebody that has been around and played so many matches on the big stage. I dont see him being too overwhelmed or nervous.Watch Novak Djokovic against Kei Nishikori in the Miami Open final on Sunday from 6pm on Sky Sports 3.By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices. Also See: Djokovic through to Miami final Azarenka reaches final in Miami ' ' '