Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic produced one of the biggest upsets at the Roland Garros 2014 tournament this week after she eliminated world number two and 2011 champion Li Na of China 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 on Tuesday. This is Mladenovic’s biggest career win to date.
“It’s definitely a huge thing for me, first round of a Grand Slam and at home at Roland Garros, and it’s Li Na,” Mladenovic said. “She’s such a tough player, an amazing player, a Grand Slam champion.
“Also, look at this season. I went down in the rankings. I was in the Top 50 in the middle of last year, and I’m not longer in the Top 100. But it’s only on paper. I’ve always believed in myself, and I still believed in myself today, and that’s how I could put up such a good fight and play so well out there.
“I knew I had this in me. I’m very ambitious. I’ve never hidden that. And this is such a good win.”
Mladenovic’s ranking dropped from a career high number 36 a year ago to number 103.
Update: Mladenovic is through to the third round after winning her second round match against Allison Riske of United States.
