Alisa Kleybanova

Alisa Kleybanova is a Russian former professional with a career-high singles ranking of World No. 20, which she achieved in February 2011.

She was a consistent presence in the world’s top 50 before her career was interrupted by a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her determination to return to professional tennis after cancer made her a role model for athletes worldwide, and her story is one of perseverance, talent, and courage.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Alisa Mikhailovna Kleybanova was born on July 15, 1989, in Moscow, Russia, where she also resided throughout her career. Standing 181 cm tall and weighing 72 kg, Alisa Mikhailovna Kleybanova played right-handed with a two-handed backhand.

She began playing tennis at age four and quickly emerged as a promising junior. Kleybanova was coached by Julian Vespan during her professional years. Off the court, she is known for her resilience, having overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma and making a celebrated return to the sport.

Junior Career

Kleybanova was a standout on the ITF junior circuit, winning the Wimbledon girls’ doubles title in 2003 and 2006, and the US Open girls’ doubles in 2005.

Career

Kleybanova turned professional in 2003 and quickly made her mark, winning her first ITF title in her debut event. She broke into the WTA top 100 in her teens and reached her first Grand Slam fourth round at Wimbledon in 2008. Her best Grand Slam singles results include reaching the fourth round at both Wimbledon (2008) and the Australian Open (2009), and the third round at the French Open (2010).

In 2010, Kleybanova claimed her first WTA singles title at the Malaysian Open, defeating Elena Dementieva in the final, and added a second title later that year at the Korea Open.

She also excelled in doubles, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 10 and making the semifinals of the US Open (2009) and quarterfinals at both the Australian Open (2010) and Wimbledon (2009).

Kleybanova’s career was interrupted in 2011 when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After successful treatment, she made an inspiring return to the tour, earning widespread admiration for her courage and determination. She continued to compete sporadically until 2018.

Career Record

Singles

• Career Titles: 2
• Highest Singles Ranking: No. 20 (February 21, 2011)
• Career Record: 307–150

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – 4th Round (2009)
• French Open – 3rd Round (2010)
• Wimbledon – 4th Round (2008)
• US Open – 2nd Round (2008, 2010, 2013)

Other Tournaments

• Universiade – Gold Medal, Singles (2007 Bangkok)
• Fed Cup – 3–2 record

Doubles

• Career Titles: 5
• Highest Doubles Ranking: No. 10 (February 1, 2010)
• Career Record: 150–87

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – Quarterfinals (2010)
• French Open – 3rd Round (2014)
• Wimbledon – Quarterfinals (2009)
• US Open – Semifinals (2009)

Other Tournaments

• Universiade – Silver Medal, Mixed Doubles (2007 Bangkok)