Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova caused an upset when she defeated Karolina Pliskova at the Australian Open on Saturday. The victory was her first in seven matches played against the current world number two. Following the big win, Anastasia will be hoping to better her previous quarterfinal appearances at the Australian Open. Below are some interesting facts about the Russian player.
Anastasia’s family and bio
The current world No. 30 was born in Samara, Russia, on 3rd July 1991. Her father’s name is Sergey while her mother’s name is Maria. She has a brother named Aleks. Most of Pavlyuchenkova’s family members were involved in different sports. Anastasia’s grandmother played basketball for the former Soviet Union while her grandfather was a basketball referee. The Russian’s father participated in the Olympics as a canoeist while her mother was a swimmer. Anastasia first played tennis when she was six years old. The 28-year-old is 1.78 meters tall and plays right-handed. She is most comfortable playing on clay.
Early career success and Coach Sam Sumyk
In her tennis career at the junior level, Anastasia enjoyed great success. She won two Grand Slam titles, most notably; the Australian Open junior’s title in 2006 at age 14. Later that year, Pavlyuchenkova ranked number one in the junior category. The world No.30 turned pro in later that year. Since then the 28-year-old has won twelve WTA singles titles. The Russian has also enjoyed doubles success, winning five titles.
Anastasia’s best performances at Grand Slam tournaments have all been quarterfinal appearances. Her best position on the WTA rankings has been at number 23, during the 2013 season. Sam Sumyk is currently coaching Pavlyuchenkova. The Frenchman has worked with other successful players such as Victoria Azarenka and Garbine Muruguza. He is married to former tennis player Meilen Tu. Anastasia’s father is also a part of her coaching team.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s boyfriend
Presently, the Russian has not revealed her relationship status to the world. The player keeps a low profile and there are no records of any previous relationships. She is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open and will face 2016 Australian Open champion, Angelique Kerber. After upsetting Pliskova, Anastasia could be a possible candidate to win the tournament later this month. Experienced players such as Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams have exited the tournament. If Pavlyuchenkova can get past her German opponent, she will be in a great position to lift her first Grand Slam title.
Pavlyuchenkova at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Currently the world no.30, Pavlyuchenkova has a 4-2 win-loss record in 2020. The Russian is now competing at the Australian Open where she beat Nina Stojanovic 6-1 7-5, Taylor Townsend 7-5 7-61 and Karolina Pliskova 7-64 7-63.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will compete against Kerber in the 4th round. The head to head is 7-7.
The last time that they played, Pavlyuchenkova won 6-3 6-3 in the semifinal in Osaka (Toray Pan Pacific Open) in September 2019.
Pavlyuchenkova won 12 titles in her career: 6 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 3 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
