Known more for her beauty than for her on-court performances, Maria Kirilenko has been working hard recently to turn things around. After a fulminating emergence on the WTA tour, the Russian has slipped under the radar. The lack of results derailed a once promising career, leaving Maria stranded outside the top 20. The last couple of years changed the situation a bit, but she has yet to really make her move on the big scenes. Her best result to date is a quarterfinal in Melbourne, in 2010, when she took out Maria Sharapova in the first round, before succumbing to Chinese Jie Zheng.
After critising her for failing to take her chances when they come, Kirilenko has finally proved me wrong today when she booked her berth in the last eight at Wimbledon. Taking advantage of a relatively easier side of the draw, the Russian quietly marched through the first three rounds, disposing of Romanian Alexandra Cadantu, Spanish Lourdes Dominguez Lino, respectively another Romanian, Sorana Cirstea, without losing a set. Facing a fourth round opponent who clearly isn't in her best form, Maria saw a golden opportunity arising on her horizon. It wasn't easy though, but she came through, showing some newly found mental strenght to regroup after the loss of the second set. Chinese Peng Shuai refused to give in, but she eventually bowed out 1-6,7-6,3-6.
To add some more meaning to her winning run, she needs to produce a stunning display against in-form Agnieszka Radwanska. A victory over the Pole and her world suddenly opens up to a whole new set of possibilities. Best of luck, Maria!
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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