Zvonareva wins in Memphis

The 19-year-old Muscovite found herself 2-5 down in the third set and saved three match point against the two-time defending champion.

"Obviously, I'm very excited to win this, especially because I saved three match points," Zvonareva told reporters.

"Lisa is an extremely tough opponent, and I was expecting a difficult match, especially because we had a tight match in Philadelphia last year.

She played very well, so I'm happy that I could find my game and was able to pull it out."

It was the first WTA main Tour event of 2004 that saw the number one and two seeds reach the final.

"When I was down 5-2, I just didn't give up and kept playing my game and going for my shots. I just kept thinking that it was my last chance, that if I missed the ball, then that was the match," Zvonareva explained.

"I kept fighting for every shot. This is definitely a great win for me because I came back from being down."

The Russian won her first tour title at Bol in 2003.

While Zvonareva improved her career final, win-loss record to 2-1, Raymond was in reflective mood.

"I just think it was a case in which I didn't take my opportunities," the 30-year-old said.

"We both fought hard and left it all out there. There wasn't a game in which we didn't put 150% into it. Of course I'm disappointed that I didn't get the third win, but I still love playing here and will definitely be back."