Maria Kirilenko is probably one of the most underrated players on the WTA tour. A prominent junior who won the US Open title in 2002, the Russian was always overshadowed by her more famous compatriots after turning pro. It is true that Kirilenko is yet to match the performances of her fellow Russian women (i.e. Kuznetsova, Myskina, Dementieva or Sharapova), but her game definitely hints that success is within her reach. Maybe she is a late bloomer. Nowadays, after Schiavone's magical run at the 2010 Roland Garros, nothing seems impossible anymore.
However, if when it comes to tennis Maria might be an easy target, when it comes to fashion Maria puts in a fierce fight. It all started at the 2006 Australian Open, when the young Russian became the face of Adidas by Stella McCartney. This collaboration put her on the map, generating media fuzz and ensuring everyone's attention. It marked the perfect blend of good-looks, charm, appropriate fabrics and great clothes. For me, during this period, the Russian was the best dressed tennis player in the world. She might have benefited from the services of a renowned fashion designer, but her overall fashionista demeanor surely played a utterly important part. Being a shy, introvert personality, Kirilenko didn't like to brag too much about her looks and tried to focus on her game. This probably cost her the deal in the end, as young gun Dane Caroline Wozniacki stole the spotlight in late 2009.
These three years can be regarded as a successful recipe as the McCartney clothes perfectly reflected Maria's inner self. Though not spectacular, just simple cuts and a rather pale colour palette, the pieces had a bit of edge, were unique, classy and wearable. Kirilenko looked adorable in them, resembling a genuine tennis princess. However, now, after losing her throne, the Russian faces a tough challenge to retain her status. She is still the cute, lovable girl, but the regular Adidas clothing she is forced to wear don't do her much justice. The spark was lost, I just hope she can regain it.
The 2006 Collection
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| @Australian Open 2006 |
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| @Warsaw 2006 |
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| @Wimbledon 2006 |
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| @Los Angeles 2006 |
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| @New Haven 2006 |
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| @Beijing 2006 |
The 2007 Collection
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| @Australian Open 2007 |
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| @Miami 2007 |
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| @Roland Garros 2007 |
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| @Wimbledon 2007 |
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| @Stanford 2007 |
The 2008 Collection
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| @Australian Open 2008 |
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| @Miami 2008 |
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| @Roland Garros 2008 |
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| @Montreal 2008 |
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| @Tokyo Pan Pacific 2008 |
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| @Korean Open 2008 |
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| @Moscow 2008 |
The 2009 Collection
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| @Australian Open 2009 |
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| @Dubai 2009 |
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| @Miami 2008 |
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| @Madrid 2009 |
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| @Roland Garros 2009 |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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