World No. 21 and semi-finalist at this year's French Open, Russian Elena Likhovtseva, has confirmed her participation in the singles as well as the doubles event at the Sunfeast Open 2005 in Kolkata, starting on September 19.
A former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion with India's Mahesh Bhupathi, the Russian has won three singles and twenty-three doubles titles till date with total career prize earnings of over US$ 5.2 million. A consistent performer on the WTA tour, Likhovtseva has been a runner-up in a number of other contests, including the French Open women's doubles in 2004 and mixed doubles in 2003, and the 2004 US Open women's doubles.
"Elena has been a consistent player on the WTA tour with good performances in the singles as well as doubles. Personally, it has been a great experience to play mixed doubles with her and the Wimbledon 2002 title was indeed a special one. Her confirmation to participate in the Sunfeast Open 2005, is a coup and a wonderful opportunity for sports fans to see a current Grand Slam semi-finalist in close quarter," said Bhupathi.
Elena Likhovtseva enjoyed her best season in 2002, reaching the quarter-finals in the singles beating fifth seed Kim Clijsters, and winning her first Grand Slam title at the Wimbledon mixed doubles Championships in 2002, with Bhupathi. The 29-year-old has remained solid in 2005 and made it to the world top 20 for the first time in four years. Likhovtseva has also raised her game in major championships, reaching the third round at the Australian Open 2005 and then the semi-finals at Roland Garros 2005. The Russian's career-best performance at the French Open was brought to an abrupt end by runner-up Mary Pierce.
While Likhovtseva has recovered some form in the singles, she has consistently remained a world-class doubles player and has already won three titles in 2005. As of August 3, 2005, she was ranked as high as 6th for doubles and 17th for singles.
