Qualifier Profile: Sesil Karatantcheva

Sesil Karatantcheva has been a headline darling since her quarterfinal run at the 2005 French Open as a 15 year-old. Unfortunately for Karatantcheva (who, for the purpose of my sanity, will be referred to as Sesil for the remainder of this post) as headlines became increasingly focused on well-publicized downfalls, Sesil's career followed suit. Quickly after becoming the youngest female to reach the quarterfinal of a Grand Slam since Hingis, Sesil tested positive for the prohibited substance, nandrolone. Though she attributed the presence of the drug to a miscarried pregnancy, the then Bulgarian was sentenced to the two year suspension from the WTA. Personally, I considered this to be a harsh condition for the young girl, but the ITF had ruled and Sesil was unable to compete in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Sesil finally returned to competition at the Sunrise ITF event, where again she received a relatively large amount of press. Though she went on to win her comeback event, few people focused on her success, instead reminiscing about her loudmouthed comments directed at other players. Now a year and changed citizenship later (she now is represented by Kazakhstan because of financial advantages) Sesil has yet to regain regular form, but three easy victories to gain entry into the main draw of the Slovenian Open is promising and may indicate a successful run at this tournament, which could lead to more important and career revitalizing wins.