Maria Kirilenko
A Russian tennis prodigy who combined fierce baseline power with elegant net play to crack the world's top ten.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Russian tennis player·Birthday: January 25·Millennials
Biography
Maria Kirilenko announced herself as a force of nature at just 15, capturing the US Open junior title in 2002. Her transition to the professional tour was marked by a versatile, aggressive style that translated to success on all surfaces. While she secured six WTA singles titles, her athleticism and sharp instincts truly shone in doubles, where she partnered with the game's best to reach two major finals. Kirilenko's career was punctuated by memorable Olympic and Grand Slam runs, peaking at world No. 10 in 2013. After retiring, she channeled her competitive spirit into fashion and business, leaving a legacy as one of Russia's most complete and stylish players of her era.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Maria was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Maria Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Maria's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 10 in June 2013.
- Won the US Open girls' singles title at age 15 in 2002.
- Captured the Olympic bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2012 London Games.
- Reached the women's doubles finals at the 2011 Australian Open and 2012 French Open.
Did You Know?
She was nicknamed 'The Russian Maria Sharapova' early in her career due to her blonde hair and powerful game.
She is a certified fashion designer and has launched her own clothing line.
She was engaged to and later married Russian ice hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, though the marriage ended in divorce.
She served as a tournament ambassador for the St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy.
“My game is built on taking the ball early and controlling the point.”
