Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova paid tribute to compatriot Dinara Safina after beating the world number one to win the French Open.

Kuznetsova struck early, breaking top seed Safina three times in the opener to take command of the game.

Afterwards, Kuznetsova said Safina is still the better player.

"She's done so well, and she's number one so she's a better player than me at the moment," Kuznetsova said on Eurosport.

"Today she was tired and had so much pressure on her but I want to wish her the best of luck for the future."

This was Kuznetsova's second major and her first French title, and she said she could feel it coming.'

"Today when I was coming on to the court, I knew everything was going to be alright and I would play my best game. I was pretty calm, but this is a big moment for me."