Maria Kirilenko

Maria Kirilenko is a Russian former professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 10 in June 2013. She also has a career-high doubles ranking of World No. 5, reached in October 2011.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Maria Yuryevna Kirilenko was born on January 25, 1987, in Moscow, Russia, where she also resided throughout her career. Standing 174 cm tall, Maria Yuryevna Kirilenko played right-handed with a two-handed backhand.

She began playing tennis at age seven, introduced to the sport by her father, Yuri, at Dinamo Moscow Central Stadium. Kirilenko is known for her appreciation of classical music, literature, and a broad range of sports. Off the court, she became the face of Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis fashion and appeared in the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Kirilenko married Alexei Stepanov in 2015, and they have two children.

Junior Career

Kirilenko was a standout junior, winning the US Open girls’ singles title in 2002 at age 15.

She also claimed junior titles at the Canadian Open and was recognized as one of the most promising young talents of her generation, quickly transitioning to the professional circuit.

Career

Maria Kirilenko turned professional in 2001 and made an immediate impact on the WTA Tour. She won her first WTA singles title in Beijing in 2005 and broke into the world’s top 20 the following year.

Her Grand Slam singles highlights include reaching the quarterfinals at the 2010 Australian Open, 2012 Wimbledon Championships, and 2013 French Open, and the fourth round of the US Open in 2011. Kirilenko also reached the semifinals at the 2012 London Olympics, narrowly missing a medal in singles but earning bronze in doubles with Nadia Petrova.

In doubles, Maria Kirilenko was a consistent force, winning 12 WTA titles and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 5. She reached the finals of the Australian Open (2011) and French Open (2012) in women’s doubles, and won the 2012 WTA Tour Championships with Petrova.

Kirilenko also claimed a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 6
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 10 (June 10, 2013)
• Career Record: 364–257

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (2010)
• French Open – Quarterfinals (2013)
• Wimbledon – Quarterfinals (2012)
• US Open – 4th Round (2011)

Other Tournaments

• Olympic Games – Semifinals, 4th place (2012)

Doubles

• Career Titles: 12
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 5 (October 24, 2011)
• Career Record: 255–150

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Finalist (2011)
• French Open – Finalist (2012)
• Wimbledon – 3rd Round (2007)
• US Open – Semifinals (2011)

Other Tournaments

• Tour Finals – Winner (2012)
• Olympic Games – Bronze Medal (2012, Doubles)