Home/Tennis

via Getty

via Getty

After 51 Grand Slam appearances, Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova reached her maiden final at the French Open 2021. With that, she became the first Russian woman after Maria Sharapova to qualify for a major final.

For this astounding achievement, the five-time Grand Slam champion Maria lauded her compatriot. She shared a snapshot of Anastasia on Twitter after she had won her semifinal match.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the final, the 29-year-old stressed her thigh muscle and took a medical timeout in the second set. During that time, the new World No. 19 ate Haribo gold bears as an instant energy source.

The retired Russian professional made a joke of Pavlyuchenkova snacking on Haribo because Maria herself has a gummy bear and candy brand, Sugarpova.

Read More: All You Need To Know About Maria Sharapova’s Candy Brand Sugarpova

Pavlyuchenkova gave Maria Sharapova the perfect reply on her eating Haribo 

Earlier in 2020, Sharapova retired from professional tennis. However, she still follows Roland-Garros thoroughly, enjoying both men’s and women’s matches. Naturally, she did not miss the women’s singles final between Barbora Krejcikova and Pavlyuchenkova.

via Reuters

Although her countrywoman lost the match, Sharapova was still proud, and she even teased Pavlyuchenkova for eating Haribo gold bears.

“Besides snacking on the wrong gummie brand, still proud of you,” Sharapova wrote.

In response, Pavlyuchenkova said, “Spasibo [Thank you in Russian]. Well, then I’m expecting the delivery for Wimbledon.”

In her speech during the final ceremony, Anastasia joked that her friends came to watch her as they thought she might not reach such a stage again. But considering her performance, she might do it again in Wimbledon.

Read More: All You Need to Know About Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Pavlyuchenko’s record at Wimbledon so far

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Roland-Garros finalist made her best result in Wimbledon in 2016, when she reached the quarterfinals. Apart from that, she has never crossed the third-round stage in the other 12 appearances.

via Reuters

Unquestionably, the result in Paris would have boosted her confidence to do well in London. Let’s see whether she can continue her solid run in the grass season too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Do you think Pavlyuchenkova can win a Grand Slam title?

Watch this story: Champions!: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, And Others’ Trophy Lift at French Open