The country of Estonia is one of the smallest in Europe, but this week, its citizens have rallied behind one of their best athletes.
Kaia Kanepi, the only Estonian player in the Top 90, has reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros.
Name Pronunciation: KEYE-ah ka-NEP-i
Birthday: June 10, 1985
Hometown: Haapsalu, Estonia
Started playing tennis at age: 8
Coach: Pablo Giacopelli
Plays: Right-handed, two-handed backhand
Off-Court Interests: Surfing the internet, rollerskating, swimming, going to movies, listening to music
Pet: Blanco (dog)
Preferred surface: Clay
Highest ranking: No. 40 (July 30, 2007)
Current ranking: No. 49
Education: Currently studying at Haapsalu Wiedemanni Gümnaasium
Sponsors: Tallink Grupp, Infotar
Junior career highlights: Defeated future US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of the 2001 Roland Garros junior championships, held the No. 1 junior tennis ranking for thirteen weeks in 2001
For more information about Kaia Kanepi, check out On the Baseline’s exclusive 2007 Players to Watch interview with her.
