Liudmila Samsonova Advances to Brisbane Quarterfinals
Brisbane, Australia – 9 January 2026 – Russian tennis star Liudmila Samsonova continued her strong start to the 2026 season at the Brisbane International, defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-4, 6-4 in the third round on 8 January 2026. This victory advances her to the quarterfinals, where she will face fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula. Samsonova, ranked 17th in the world, had earlier beaten wildcard Emerson Jones 6-4, 6-1 in the second round.
Recent Performances
In 2025, Samsonova reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, losing to eventual champion Iga Swiatek, and finished as runner-up at Strasbourg. She also secured a doubles title at Ningbo with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Her consistent play earned her a year-end ranking of 17, marking her third consecutive year in the top 20. At the Brisbane International, Samsonova has shown aggressive play, winning 65.7 per cent of points on her first serve so far.
Key Facts and Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | 17 |
| Career High Ranking | 12 |
| 2025 Singles Record | 30 wins, 23 losses |
| Height | 182 cm |
| Head-to-Head vs Pegula | Samsonova leads 2-1 (most recent win in Berlin 2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liudmila Samsonova’s playing style?
Samsonova is known for her aggressive baseline play, powerful two-handed backhand, and strong serving, often hitting numerous aces in matches.
Has Samsonova won any titles recently?
In 2025, she won a doubles title at Ningbo and reached the singles final at Strasbourg, where she lost to Elena Rybakina.
What are her goals for 2026?
Samsonova aims to build on her top-20 consistency, targeting deeper runs in Grand Slams and more titles on the WTA Tour.