 | Born: 8/6/82 Nationality: Russian Seeded: 8 World ranking: 8 French Open best:
Semi-final (2003) Recent record:
2003: Semi-final
2002: n/a
2001: 4th round |
The Russian number two returns to the scene of her best two weeks in tennis so far, looking to emulate last year's run to the semi-finals. Victories over Monica Seles, Jennifer Capriati and Vera Zvonareva confirmed Petrova as a future star after she missed most of 2002 with a foot injury.
Arguably the biggest serving, heaviest hitter among the crop of young Russian women, she has edged into the top 10 this year.
Petrova has been more consistent than ever in 2004, reaching one final, two semi-finals and one quarter-final.
But most impressive of all was her 6-2 6-3 win over Serena Williams in April - a true breakthrough despite the American's lack of matchplay at the time.
That win, along with last year's performance at Roland Garros, suggests she might be the best bet among her compatriots to ultimately challenge for Grand Slams and the top ranking.
MMIX
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