Venus Williams will become oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw with wild card entry

Former world No. 10 Maria Kirilenko has announced that she has a new baby with her husband, Alexei Stepanov. The two married in January this year. Kirilenko, who has not played since last September, made the announcement on Twitter.

Advertising

Thanks a lot everyone for the warm congratulations, now I know myself this feeling of true happiness of becoming a mother!
— Maria Kirilenko (@mkirilenko) July 24, 2015

The 28-year-old has yet to decide whether she will come back. Her father, Yuri, has coached her for most of her career, during which she has won six singles and 12 doubles titles.

She has reached three Grand Slam quarterfinals, upsetting Maria Sharapova in the first round of the 2010 Australian Open.

Kirilenko once fell 6-2, 6-7 (15), 6-3 against Sam Stosur in the fourth round of the 2011 US Open after having five match points. At the time it was the longest-ever tiebreak in a Grand Slam women's singles match. Stosur ended up winning the tournament.

Advertising

Kirilenko has first child

Naomi Osaka carries off-season illness into United Cup debut

Sebastian Baez, Solana Sierra score first wins of 2026 tennis season at United Cup

Venus Williams will become oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw with wild card entry

Stefanos Tstisipas pondered future of career while sidelined, says father is “much better communicator” now

United Cup, Day 1 Preview: Naomi Osaka begins promising 2026, Stefanos Tsitsipas back from injury

What to expect from Carlos and Jannik in 2026 as year three of the Sincaraz Era begins

Tennis set for two weeks of mania ahead of 2026 Australian Open

How Aryna Sabalenka is building a brand as powerful as her game

United Cup Classics: Three matches that defined the tournament

Kirilenko has first child

Advertising