Kaia Kanepi isn’t what one would call a household name. The 25 year old Estonian has gone pretty much under the radar at the US Open, falling into the shadows of top players like Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, and Venus Williams. This fact doesn’t seem to faze Kanepi in the slightest, while focus has remained on these players she has successfully moved up to the quarterfinals, taking a 0-6, 7-6, 6-1 win over No. 15 seed Yanina Wickmayer.
Currently, ranked as number 32, Kanepi started playing tennis at the age of eight after being introduced to the game by her parents and older sister. Since that time, she has reached world No. 1 on the International Tennis Federation junior rankings; Kanepi turned professional in 2000, and is now the top-ranked Estonian female tennis player. Currently, she ranked as World No. 32 after reaching a career-high ranking as former No. 18.
One of the more notable moments in her career has come at this year’s US Open with Kanepi upsetting No.4 seed Jelena Jankovic, 6-2, 7-6 (1). Facing rough winds, Kanepi capitalized on Jankovic’s inability to overcome weather conditions at Arthur Ashe stadium. By typically utilizing a game style that is heavy with groundstrokes and a powerful serve, she is viewed more as an offensive baseline player, a game style that is best on hard court.
Currently facing No.7 seed Vera Zvonareva, if Kanepi advances she could face tough competition in Dominika Cibulkova or No.1 seed Caroline Wozniacki. Either way, this is undoubtedly a career success in the 10 year professional career of Kaia Kanepi