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1 Jul, 2019 15:39

Russian ‘superhero’ Vitalia Diatchenko set for Wimbledon action

Russian ‘superhero’ Vitalia Diatchenko set for Wimbledon action

After causing a stir with her ‘supersized’ arm muscles at the French Open, Russian tennis star Vitalia Diatchenko is ready to take to the grass courts of Wimbledon.

Diatchenko made headlines at Roland-Garros in May when she met US icon Serena Williams in the first round.

While 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams ultimately prevailed, she faced a battle as outsider Diatchenko won the first set before folding in the second and third.

READ MORE: Meet Vitalia Diatchenko - 5 things you need to know about Russian tennis star 

While the result was expected, more surprising was the way Diatchenko captured headlines for her bulging arm muscles in photos from the match.

Also on rt.com 'Arms like a cartoon superhero!' Serena opponent Diatchenko's bulging biceps cause stir Down Under

The images were shared worldwide and earned the 28-year-old Russian comparisons to superheroes – which she later laughed off.

Now swapping clay for grass as the action at the hallowed All England club gets underway, Diatchenko posted that she was “Wimbledon ready” by sharing practice pictures on social media accounts on Monday.  

World number 83 Diatchenko reached the third round at Wimbledon last year – her best return at the tournament

She opens this year’s campaign with a tough assignment against Kristina Mladenovic, the world number 48 from France, on Tuesday.  

Also on rt.com Wimbledon 2019: Canadian star Bouchard slams notion she’s just Instagram glamor girl

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