Pavlyuchenkova joins Serena Williams in unique feat in reaching French Open fourth round
WTASaturday, 03 June 2023 at 04:30
Russian tennis star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova made history following her third round Roland Garros (French Open) match, joining WTA legend Serena Williams on a very distinguished list.
The World No.333 defeated compatriot Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round, and by virtue of this victory became second lowest-ranked player ever to reach the fourth round of the French Open.
Read also
Williams had previously accomplished the feat in 2018, was ranked World No. 451 when she reached the last 16 in Paris in 2018. The American was set to face Maria Sharapova, but pulled out of the tournament due to a pectoral injury.
Read also
Only nine players have reached the fourth round across all Grand Slams while ranked lower than Pavlyuchenkova's No. 333 — Emma Raducanu (No. 338, Wimbledon 2021), Martina Hingis (No. 349, Australian Open 2006), Tatiana Golovin (No. 354, Australian Open 2004), Serena Williams (No. 451, French Open 2017), Kaia Kanepi (No. 451, US Open 2017), Victoria Azarenka (No. 683, Wimbledon 2017), Kim Clijsters (unranked, US Open 2009), Justine Henin (unranked, Australian Open 2010), and Tsvetana Pironkova (unranked, US Open 2020).
Growing up in a household where soccer was king, my earliest memories are filled with chants from packed stadiums and the rhythm of a ball being passed across neighborhood streets. But somewhere along the way, the quiet elegance and raw emotion of tennis pulled me in. What began as a curiosity became a lifelong passion; not just for the sport itself, but for the stories it tells: of grit, of heartbreak, of improbable comebacks and human resilience.
As a tennis writer, I bring the observational lens of someone who didn’t grow up in the sport, but fell in love with it as an outsider; a perspective that lets me see both its technical beauty and its emotional depth. Over the years working with TennisUpToDate, I’ve had the privilege of reaching more than 3.5 million readers worldwide, with one of my features ranking among the site’s top three articles.
With a background in storytelling and a creative mind always searching for meaning beyond the scoreboard, I aim to craft narratives that go deeper than results and rankings. Whether it’s a rising star breaking through or a veteran fighting off Father Time, I try to capture the heartbeat behind the headlines.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
Loading
