Russian teen star Korneeva is just getting started

Most times, Alina Korneeva doesn't really come across as a 16-year-old while playing or talking tennis. But it does hit the Russian in those rare instances.

- Rutvick Mehta

Like when she begins answering a question with, "I think my whole career....". "It's funny when I say like this," Alina says, breaking into a laugh, "because I'm just 16 and it has just started." Started with a bang, and potential to bloom. The teen was the world No.l junior last year, capturing the Australian Open and French Open girls' singles crowns with a couple of professional ITF titles to go as well. On her debut WTA Tour event in Hong Kong last October, she made the Round of 16 and on Wednesday, took a step further at the WTA 125K Mumbai Open.

Alina battled past qualifier Shrivalli Bhamidipaty 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to make her first WTA quarter-final, overcoming a spirited challenge from the 520th-ranked Indian who dished out a level and groundstrokes quality that matched the Russian (except her 14 double faults). The teen remained unperturbed after the first set, kept going for her winners and some fine drop shots.