It took a while for Maria Kirilenko to reach the maturity level needed not to let a huge chance slip by, but starting mid last season, the Russian has made a habit of taking every opportunity thrown at her. This year's Roland Garros was no exception.
Although she battled some minor injuries throughout the clay-court season, Maria looked untroubled at the start of her Parisian campaign, cruising through the opening rounds without dropping a set. Benefitting from a favourable draw, Kirilenko got to face red-hot American, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, for a place in the last eight. Although Mattek-Sands played great tennis to defeat Australian Open finalist, Chinese Na Li, this was the Russian's chance for making another Grand Slam quarterfinal. Bethanie started stronger, building a 4-1 lead, but Maria fought back. It wasn't an easy match, but an experienced Kirilenko won 7-5,6-4.
The victory puts her in her third major quarterfinal. In a battle of the babes, she will square off with her former doubles partner and good friend, Victoria Azarenka. No matter the result, Kirilenko has plenty of reasons to be proud of her fortnight. This performance will bring her closer to achieving her goal for the season, that of breaking into the top 10 for the first time in her career. Well done, Maria!
photo: GETTY IMAGES
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