Alisa Kleybanova

The hard-hitting Russian was ousted at the first hurdle in 2009 by eventual Eastbourne champion Caroline Wozniacki, but Kleybanova won five successive matches at Devonshire Park in 2008 and is a danger to anyone on grass.

Kleybanova made her way through qualifying and into the quarter-finals at Eastbourne 2008, before running out of steam and bowing out graciously to French ace Marion Bartoli.

And the Russian continued her 2008 grass court success with an impressive showing at Wimbledon, before being halted in the last 16 by Venus Williams.

Kleybanova captured the Malaysia Open crown at Kuala Lumpur, by easily seeing off compatriot Elena Dementieva in February 2010 for her first title of the season. 

Kleybanova, once described as the new Monica Seles due to her aggressive play, said after the victory over Olympic champion Dementieva: “I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments. Everything came together in the final and I’m just so happy to finally claim my first title.” 

Reached third round at 2010 French Open.

Chances of winning

A very dangerous floater who fears no-one and has the prowess and power at grass to cause problems for all opponents. If she gets a generous draw can be considered one of only a handful to win the title, although should breeze into the semi-finals.



 

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