Maria Kirilenko is showing the signs that she is on the way back to recovering from the serious knee injury that she suffered at the Tournament Champions in Sofia in 2013. The beautiful ex-Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model showed her top 10 form of the past in defeating the number 18 seed Sloane Stephens 6-2, 7-6 (6) on court 18.
Maria Kirilenko modelling red dress
The win was predicted by some tennis insiders who felt that she was showing signs of getting the strength back in her knee and in the first set she displayed the movement and positioning to win numerous points and won 6-2.
In the second set she showed the mental and physical toughness that had enabled her to make the rise to a top 10 player earlier in her career. She battled the tenacious American and came back from 4-2 to eventually even tie the set and win the match.
Maria Kirilenko in nude coloured dress
Her win represents a huge step forward to her return to form as a top player and also likely has her endorsers overjoyed as well. '
The more she wins the more the spotlight returns to her and as such brings attention to her endorsers who are accustomed to seeing her in the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments and fans commenting on her sensational play and beautiful looks.
Her success on the court has already led to other off-the-court opportunities for her in addition to modelling such as acting roles which she started exploring in 2013 beginning with a small role in the movie "Vamp U".
She lost in the second round of Wimbledon to Peng Shuai of China 6-0, 6-3 but the signs are evident that when she is fully recovered from her knee injury she can become once again a top 10 player and in the process be the spotlight player that tennis insiders and fans have enjoyed watching throughout her career.
Maria Kirilenko is a tennis player who is slowly returning to prominence and one whom should not be counted out by any opponent as Sloane Stephens found out in the first round of Wimbledon 2014.
Maria Kirilenko vs. Sloane Stephens at Wimbledon
