Maria Kirilenko had a strong professional tennis career but retired at just 27 years old — right when she appeared to be hitting her peak.

Maria Kirilenko of Russia looks on in her fourth round match against Serena Williams of the United States. © Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesMaria Kirilenko of Russia looks on in her fourth round match against Serena Williams of the United States.

When you think of Russian women’s tennis in the 2000s, Maria Sharapova often headlines the conversation — and for good reason. But another standout from that generation was Maria Kirilenko, a six-time WTA champion, former Top 10 player, and Olympic bronze medalist who carved out her own place on the tour.

Kirilenko turned pro in 2001 at just 14 years old and quickly began showing flashes of top-tier talent. By 2005, she captured her first WTA singles title in China — though by that point, her contemporary Sharapova had already racked up ten titles, including a Wimbledon crown and the WTA Finals.

Kirilenko would go on to win six WTA singles titles during her career. After her debut title in 2005, she added wins in Kolkata (2007), Estoril, Barcelona, and Seoul (all in 2008), and her final singles title came in Thailand in 2013.

But she wasn’t just a singles specialist. Kirilenko made two Grand Slam doubles finals — the 2011 Australian Open with Victoria Azarenka and the 2012 French Open with Nadia Petrova.

Bronze medalists Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova pose with their medals during the medal ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Bronze medalists Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova pose with their medals during the medal ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Though she came up short both times, she secured a bronze medal in women’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics with Petrova after defeating Americans Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond in the bronze match, following a semifinal loss to Venusand Serena Williams.

The time she tried to psych out Serena

Facing Serena Williams was never easy — especially for players of Kirilenko’s generation who had to battle the American powerhouse during her prime. In 2013, while riding a career-high ranking, Kirilenko squared off against Serena in the Madrid Open (WTA 1000). Leading up to the match, she offered a curious quote that blended national pride and subtle psychological warfare.

“I hope it’s a tough match for both of us, not just for me. I’ve played against her many times and never beaten her. But tomorrow (May 9, 2013) we celebrate Victory Day in Russia. Maybe that gives me a little energy,” Kirilenko said at a press conference at the time.

Maria Kirilenko of Russia congratulates Serena Williams of the United States after their match at the China Open. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Maria Kirilenko of Russia congratulates Serena Williams of the United States after their match at the China Open. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Victory Day, celebrated in Russia to mark the victory in World War II, was an unusual backdrop for a tennis match, and some interpreted Kirilenko’s remark as an effort to inject political undertones into the encounter. Still, Serena didn’t flinch — cruising to a 6–3, 6–1 win. Kirilenko would never beat Serena in eight total meetings.

A career cut short at its peak

While 2008 marked Kirilenko’s most successful season in terms of titles, 2013 was the pinnacle of her ranking success, reaching No. 10 in the world. At just 26 years old, she seemed poised for a deep Grand Slam run.

But instead, she stepped away from the game in 2014 after battling injuries and managing personal priorities. In 2015, she gave birth to her first child. In 2017, she welcomed her second. Although a return to the circuit was never officially ruled out, it never came.