Kirilenko’s Comeback Cut Short in Charleston

April 1, 2014 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Maria_Kirilenko_3
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg

Maria Kirilenko made her return to the court Monday in Charleston, S.C. at the Family Circle Cup after a five-month layoff nursing a knee injury. Seeded 10th at the event, Kirilenko’s comeback was cut short as she fell to Swiss qualifier Belinda Bencic in opening round action, 5-7, 1-6 in 82 minutes.

"The first match back is always tough, but I thought it was going to be worse today. I don't think I looked too bad," Kirilenko said. "It was difficult to keep going all two sets, because from time to time I felt like I was getting too tired, and my legs were getting very tired because of the clay. But it felt good to be back, for sure."

Kirilenko is not done yet in Charleston however, teaming with Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the women’s doubles draw.

Also at the Family Circle Cup, it was top seeded Serena Williams who was given a bye in the first round, but will face Slovakia's Jana Cepelova in round two after Cepelova’s 7-6(7/2) 6-2 win over American Melanie Oudin. Serena is seeking her third consecutive Family Circle Cup championship, on the heels of capturing the Sony Open Tennis title in Miami this past weekend.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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