One of the most overlooked players on the WTA tour, Russian Maria Kirilenko experienced quite an outstanding London Olympics, advancing to the semifinals in both singles and doubles. In singles she pulled off the upset in the quarterfinals, defeating former Wimbledon champion, Czech Petra Kvitova. The Russian beauty was unable to follow up though, losing to her compatriot, Maria Sharapova, in the semis. However, her chances of a medal did not vanish completely, as she faced world number 1 and former doubles partner, Victoria Azarenka, in the bronze medal match.
As expected, Azarenka's powerful groundstrokes prevailed, leaving Maria miserable as she wasted a huge breakthrough opportunity. Luckily for her though, she could focus all her misfortune into achieving the feat in the doubles. Faith was not kind however, as she and teammate Nadia Petrova were draw to face the unbeatable Williams sisters in the semis. The Russians lost and Kirilenko once again failed short in her quest. At this stage, her Olympic dream seemed to drift further away.
She still had one shot though. The bronze medal clash with Americans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond. Although they lost the first set, the Russians fought back, taking advantage of Huber's injury to turn things around and ensure a 4-6,6-4,6-1 victory. The result marks a really solid period in Maria's career. After her Wimbledon quarterfinal, she is now the proud owner of an Olympic medal.
She still had one shot though. The bronze medal clash with Americans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond. Although they lost the first set, the Russians fought back, taking advantage of Huber's injury to turn things around and ensure a 4-6,6-4,6-1 victory. The result marks a really solid period in Maria's career. After her Wimbledon quarterfinal, she is now the proud owner of an Olympic medal.
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