She reached the Indian Wells semifinals, but Maria Kirilenko, who lost to compatriot Maria Sharapova, could be excused for having other things on her mind. She's in the preliminary planning phase of her wedding, that to NHL star Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Says Kirilenko, "Now it's a little bit difficult because I'm playing and Alex is playing. We are just in the period of talking what's the best. We will find the right day."
No doubt it will be an emotional day for a woman who often finds herself fairly emotional and intense during matches. Kirilenko famously cried at her engagement, though she knew Ovechkin was on the verge of proposing. She left fellow tennis player Igor Andreev in late 2011 for Ovechkin's affections. Kirilenko and her beau announced their engagement on New Year's Eve 2012 by way of Ovechkin's elated tweet.
When it comes to a woman soon to marry—especially one who has, well, money—the question is often what dress (even what designer) she will wear for her special day. It would seem Kirilenko is given to the styles of Stella McCartney, as she formerly wore the Beatle's daughter's adidas on-court designs before Caroline Wozniacki took over that branding. Regardless, Kirilenko is sure to look amazing at her impending nuptial. She's a pretty young woman with a beaming smile when she lets down her court-warrior guard after victories. And she's been winning a lot lately, notably taking out Petra Kvitova in three sets to set up the Sharapova bout.
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