(Just a quick note: It's Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S. so posting may be sporadic over the next few days; regular posting will resume on Monday. I'll make sure to have an extra beer for each and every one of you to make up for it. You're welcome.)
Maria Kirilenko continued her Grand Slam giant-killing ways ousting defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of Roland Garros today. The 30th seed began the season by knocking out Maria Sharapova in the first round of the Australian Open back in January.
Although on paper it goes down as an upset, Sveta's form has been less than stellar winning a total of one match in the lead up to Paris (d. Srebotnik, Stuttgart.) Actually, I thought she might go out in her first round match against Sorana Cirstea, a quarterfinalist last year, but managed an easy win. This was also her second consecutive loss to Kiri having just lost to her in Rome in the opening round.
With this loss the 2-time Grand Slammer will fall out of the Top 10 for the first time in four years. Ouch.
As for Kiri she next faces Francesca Schiavone, the crafty Italian veteran who's been playing well and who Van Sias bravely picked to get far in his VANtage Point bracket breakdown (ok, I thought it was a long shot too - what the hell do I know?) It's a winnable match for her though the victor will face either Flavia Pennetta or Caroline Wozniacki, a tough prospect either way.
But confidence is a funny thing and a big win in a Grand Slam over the defending champion could be just what Kiri needs.
[Photo(s): Reuters]
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