This was Kuznetsova's first win in five finals this season. Szavay was playing her eighth match in nine days, and had been battling back problems most of the week.

It marked the third consecutive match Kuznetsova won because of an opponent's retirement. A foot injury stopped Francesca Schiavone during their third-round match and Elena Dementieva retired from the semifinals with a stomach ailment.

Szavay led 5-3 in the first set when Kuznetsova hit a crosscourt shot. Running for forehand, the Hungarian reached back to return the shot and immediately grabbed her back.

She took a medical time-out during the next changeover, and received more treatment between sets.

But it became clear after three games of the second set that she could not continue.

The 41st-ranked Szavay also retired from doubles competition earlier in the tournament, citing back problems.