{{short description|Russian tennis player (born 1998)}} {{family name hatnote|Dmitrievna|Samsonova|lang=Eastern Slavic}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}} {{Infobox tennis biography | name = Liudmila Samsonova | image = frameless|upright=.8 | image_upright=.8 | caption = Samsonova at the 2023 DC Open | full_name = Liudmila Dmitrievna Samsonova | native_name ={{lang|ru|Людмила Дмитриевна Самсонова}} | country = {{RUS}} <br /> (2013, 2018<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sonzogni |first1=Christian |title=Tennis, il talento della Samsonova resta russo: "Ma l'Italia ora è la mia casa" |trans-title=Tennis talent Samsonova remains Russian: "But Italy is now my home" |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Tennis/18-06-2018/tennis-talento-samsonova-resta-russo-ma-l-italia-ora-mia-casa-2701039615125.shtml |website=gezzetta.it |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |access-date=9 October 2021 |location=Milan |language=it |date=18 June 2018}}</ref> –present) <br /> {{ITA}} <br /> (2014–2018) | residence = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1998|11|11}} | birth_place = Olenegorsk, Russia | height = 1.82m | college = | coach = Alessandro Dumitrache (2020-2025), Danilo Pizzorno (2019-Aug 2025)<ref name=WtaSam1>{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/players/322222/liudmila-samsonova|title= Samsonova Profile |language=en |publisher=WTA|accessdate=14 January 2026}}</ref> | turnedpro = 2013 | retired = | plays = Right-handed (two-handed backhand) | careerprizemoney = US$ 7,949,984 | singlesrecord = {{tennis record|won=331|lost=214}} | singlestitles = 5 | highestsinglesranking = No. 12 (27 February 2023) | currentsinglesranking = No. 21 (30 March 2026) | AustralianOpenresult = 2R (2021, 2022, 2023, 2025) | FrenchOpenresult = 4R (2025) | Wimbledonresult = QF (2025) | USOpenresult = 4R (2022, 2024) | Othertournaments = | Olympicsresult = | WTAChampionshipsresult = | doublesrecord = {{tennis record|won=73|lost=71}} | doublestitles = 4 | highestdoublesranking = No. 36 (8 September 2023) | currentdoublesranking = No. 44 (20 October 2025) | AustralianOpenDoublesresult = 2R (2025) | FrenchOpenDoublesresult = QF (2023) | WimbledonDoublesresult = 3R (2025) | USOpenDoublesresult = 2R (2023) | OthertournamentsDoubles = | OlympicsDoublesresult = | WTAChampionshipsDoublesresult = | AustralianOpenMixedresult = 2R (2024) | FrenchOpenMixedresult = 2R (2024) | WimbledonMixedresult = 2R (2023) | USOpenMixedresult = | OthertournamentsMixedDoubles = | OlympicMixedDoublesresult = | Team = yes | FedCupresult = '''W''' (2020–21), record 5–0 | updated =4 April 2026 | medaltemplates-expand = | medaltemplates = }} '''Liudmila Dmitrievna Samsonova''' ({{lang-rus|Людмила Дмитриевна Самсонова||lʲʊdˈmʲiɫə sɐmˈsonəvə}}; born 11 November 1998) is a Russian professional tennis player. She has career-high WTA rankings of No. 12 in singles and No. 36 in doubles.<ref name=WtaSam2>{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/players/322222/liudmila-samsonova |title=Liudmila Samsonova - Overview |language=en |publisher=WTA |author= |date=2024-02-05 |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref>
She has won five singles and four doubles titles on the WTA Tour, her first title being a WTA 500 title at the 2021 German Open. She has also won a total of eight singles<ref name=ItfSam1>{{cite web |url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/liudmila-samsonova/800342480/rus/wt/s/titles/ |title=Liudmila Samsonova Women's Singles Titles |language=en |publisher=ITF |author= |date= |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref> and three doubles<ref name=ItfSam2>{{cite web |url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/liudmila-samsonova/800342480/rus/wt/d/titles/ |title=Liudmila Samsonova Women's Doubles Titles |language=en |publisher=ITF |author= |date= |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref> titles on the ITF Circuit. During the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup, Samsonova led the Russian team to their first triumph since 2008, winning all five of her matches in both singles and doubles.
Samsonova also competed for Italy from 2014 to 2018. {{TOC limit|2}}
==Early life== Samsonova was born in the industrial city of Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast, Russia. Her family moved with the then-one-year-old Liudmila to Italy. Her father Dmitry, a table tennis player, was invited to play for the club Ferentino based in Turin. Her father urged her to start playing either table tennis or lawn tennis, choosing the latter. She started playing at the age of six, joining the Piatti Tennis Center in Bordighera after the local tennis association helped her financially. Between 2014 and 2018, Liudmila represented Italy in professional tennis, before switching to the Russian flag.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|url=https://www.sport-express.ru/tennis/wta/reviews/kto-takaya-lyudmila-samsonova-kak-ona-vyigrala-tennisnyy-turner-v-berline-1802886/|title=Открытие турнира в Берлине. Россиянка Самсонова раньше играла за Италию. Как мы переманили молодой талант?|trans-title=Breakthrough of the Berlin Tournament. Russian Player Samsonova Started Playing for Italy. How Could We Entice This Young Talent?|language=ru|publisher=Sport Express|website=sport-express.ru|first=Rustam |last=Imamov|date=20 June 2021|accessdate=2 July 2021}}</ref>
In July 2021, she explained the reason behind her decision was the extra pressure of competing for the Italian national team, a country where tennis is more closely followed than in Russia where it feels to her as though she competes only for herself, especially considering her "boom boom" hard-hitting game style.<ref>{{cite web |title=Champions Corner: Samsonova goes 'boom boom' in Berlin breakthrough|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2175765/champions-corner-samsonova-goes-boom-boom-in-berlin-breakthrough |website=wtatennis.com |access-date=7 July 2021 |date=21 June 2021}}</ref> Russian sources were more specific about the reasons behind the unusual switch after turning 18 in the light of significant numbers of local players switching from the Russian flag.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nitkin |first1=Pavel |title=Елена Рыбакина вынесла Серену на РГ. Она родилась в Москве, но играет за Казахстан – это путь многих талантов, потому что в России нет денег |trans-title=Elena Rybakina rendered Serena at RG. She was born in Moscow but plays for Kazakhstan, this is a path of many talents because there is no money in Russia |url=https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/nitkina/2929665.html |website=sports.ru |date=7 June 2021 |access-date=21 June 2021 |language=ru|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709133120/https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/nitkina/2929665.html|archivedate=9 July 2021}}</ref> According to the ''Tennis Weekend'', Samsonova faced problems whilst trying to obtain an Italian passport and there was a relatively low level of support for her as an outsider from the Italian Tennis Federation.<ref name="weekend">{{cite journal |last1=Ivanov |first1=Mikhail |title=Своя среди чужих, чужая среди своих? |trans-title= Friend to Strangers, Stranger to Friends?|journal=Tennis Weekend |issue=Jul–Aug 2021 |pages=24–27 |url=https://tennisweekend.ru/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TW_06_2021_with_cover.pdf |access-date=13 September 2021}}</ref> She keeps practising outside of Russia, as she is unsatisfied with the condition for professional tennis provided by the Russian Tennis Federation domestically.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lange |first1=David |title=Number of tennis players per court in Europe in 2018, by country |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1088883/number-of-tennis-players-per-court-across-european-countries/ |website=statista.com |publisher=Statista |access-date=30 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Fedyakov |first1=Evgeny |title="Вопрос о том, чтобы снова не проводить турнир, даже не рассматривался" |trans-title=The issue of not holding the [Kremlin Cup] tournament again was not even considered.|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/5028250 |website=kommersant.ru |publisher=Kommersant |access-date=17 October 2021 |language=ru |date=11 October 2021|quote=For example, there aren't enough courts. There is a total of 7.2 thousand of them in Russia, including 2.6 thousand indoors. And in Moscow it is, respectively, 783 and 261.}}</ref> In October 2021, Samsonova said that she didn't have an Italian passport and thus never faced the option of choosing between the two flags.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salnikov |first1=Daniil |title=Людмила Самсонова: у меня не было выбора, за кого выступать – Италию или Россию|trans-title=Liudmila Samsonova: I didn't have a choice for whom to play —— Italy or Russia |url=https://www.championat.com/tennis/news-4486303-samsonova-u-menya-ne-bylo-vybora-za-kogo-vystupat-italiyu-ili-rossiyu.html |website=championat.com |access-date=23 October 2021 |language=ru |date=18 October 2021|quote=Since I was 10 years old, I was raised by Riccardo Piatti. I stayed with him for about 7 years and then moved to Rome. But I learned to play tennis only in Italy}}</ref>
Liudmila admitted that if her parents had stayed in Russia she would have chosen figure skating.<ref name=bio/> She speaks fluent Italian, Russian, and English.<ref name=bio/><ref name="weekend"/><ref>{{cite web |title="Теперь трава – мое любимое покрытие". Самсонова – о 4-м круге |trans-title="Now Grass Is My Favourite Surface". Samsonova about 4th Round |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahhae7p3x58 |website=YouTube |publisher=Eurosport Russia |access-date=4 October 2021 |language=ru |date=2 July 2021}}</ref>
==Career== ===Junior years=== Samsonova reached her highest ITF junior ranking on 18 July 2016, peaking at the 65th spot on the rankings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ITF Tennis {{!}} Liudmila Samsonova Juniors|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/liudmila-samsonova/800342480/rus/jt/s/overview/#pprofile-info-tabs|access-date=2020-08-14|website=itftennis.com}}</ref> Her biggest achievements were winning consecutive ITF Junior Circuit Grade-2 tournaments in 2016, defeating notable players such as Kaja Juvan and Marta Kostyuk.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ITF Tennis {{!}} Liudmila Samsonova Juniors Results|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/liudmila-samsonova/800342480/rus/jt/s/activity/#pprofile-info-tabs|access-date=2020-08-14|website=www.itftennis.com}}</ref>
===2013–2016: ITF Circuit debut and first titles=== In 2013, Samsonova made her professional debut at consecutive ITF Circuit tournaments in Umag, but lost her both singles qualifying matches.<ref name=WtaSamMtch>{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/players/322222/liudmila-samsonova#matches |title=Liudmila Samsonova - Matches |language=en |publisher=WTA |author=WTA Staff |date=2024-02-05 |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref><ref name=note1 group=note/>
2014 saw Samsonova winning her first ITF title at a $10k event in Rome, beating three seeded players to clinch the victory despite being unranked. The win allowed her debuting on the WTA rankings, at the 960th spot and finished the year in 840th.<ref name=WtaSamRnk>{{cite web |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/players/322222/liudmila-samsonova#rankingshistory |title=Liudmila Samsonova - Rankings History |language=en |publisher=WTA |author=WTA Staff |date=2024-02-05 |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref>
The upcoming two years saw her struggle on the ITF Circuit, amassing an 11–12 win–loss record which caused her ranking to stagnate. Nonetheless, she managed to return to the top 1000 towards the end of 2016, after reaching the final of an $10k event in Solarino.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennis Abstract: Liudmila Samsonova WTA Match Results, Splits, and Analysis |url=https://www.tennisabstract.com/cgi-bin/wplayer-classic.cgi?p=LudmillaSamsonova |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=www.tennisabstract.com}}</ref>
===2017–2018: Breakthrough on the ITF Circuit=== Samsonova's first real breakthrough came when she was leaving her teenage years. Reaching three $15k finals in Hammamet, Pula and Mâcon in 2017,<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> respectively, the Russian almost halved her ranking and ended the year ranked 552nd.<ref name=WtaSamRnk/>
2018 was another decent year for her, having reached a total of four finals. Overriding her personal best results, the Russian won her first $25k title at the Open Castilla y León, stunning third seed Başak Eraydın in the final with the loss of just two games.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-03|title=Eraydin y Samsonova, finalistas del Open Castilla y León-Villa de El Espinar|url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/tenis/20180803/451198988294/eraydin-y-samsonova-finalistas-del-open-castilla-y-leon-villa-de-el-espinar.html|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Mundo Deportivo|language=es}}</ref>
Samsonova caused a huge shock at the Open de Saint-Malo, a $60k event, coming through three rounds of qualifying to lift the biggest title of her career and breaking the top 200 for the first time in her career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cau|first=Giuliana|title=Ludmilla Samsonova: "Il mio potenziale resta russo, ma l'Italia è la mia vera casa"|url=https://www.tenniscircus.com/circuito-wta/ludmilla-samsonova-il-mio-potenziale-resta-russo-ma-litalia-e-la-mia-vera-casa/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Tennis Circus|date=28 September 2018 |language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-23|title=Open 35 Saint-Malo. Le triomphe de la jeunesse|url=https://www.letelegramme.fr/ille-et-vilaine/saint-malo/open-35-saint-malo-le-triomphe-de-la-jeunesse-23-09-2018-12087139.php|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Le Telegramme|language=fr}}</ref> Her 40–21 win–loss record helped Samsonova end the year inside the top 200 for the first time.<ref name=WtaSamRnk/>
===2019: WTA Tour & major & top 150 debuts=== [[File:2019 Roland Garros Qualifying Tournament - 100 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=.7|175px|At the 2019 French Open, her major main-draw debut]] Samsonova started the year with her major debut at the Australian Open but was defeated in the second qualifying round by Karolína Muchová. Choosing to compete in higher-level WTA tournaments with her ranking, the Russian fell in the qualifying rounds of Premier tournaments in St. Petersburg, Doha<ref>{{Cite web|title=Strycova cruises to kick off Qatar Total Open|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1450237/strycova-cruises-to-kick-off-qatar-total-open|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> and Dubai.
After a five-match losing streak to start the clay-court season, Samsonova stunned several higher-ranked players, including tenth seed Marie Bouzková, to qualify for the main draw at the French Open on her first attempt.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mix of veterans, newcomers book spots in French Open main draw on final day of qualifying|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1448082/mix-of-veterans-newcomers-book-spots-in-french-open-main-draw-on-final-day-of-qualifying|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> Despite losing in the first round to 23rd seed Donna Vekić, she reached a new career-high ranking of world No. 153, on 10 June 2019 after the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Liudmila Samsonova vs Donna Vekic|url=https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/matches/SD107|access-date=2020-08-14|website=www.rolandgarros.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=French Open 2019, Day 2 roundup: Konta moves past Lottner, Kanepi stuns Goerges|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1448012/french-open-2019-day-2-roundup-konta-moves-past-lottner-kanepi-stuns-goerges|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref>
Reaching her second WTA Tour main draw at the rain-plagued Nottingham Open, Samsonova continued her good run of form before falling to former top-15 player Yanina Wickmayer in the final round of qualifying at the Wimbledon Championships, on her debut.
Samsonova received her first direct entry into a WTA Tour main draw at the Ladies Open Lausanne, but lost to lucky loser Han Xinyun in the second round. In the following week, despite losing to Amandine Hesse in the final qualifying round of the Palermo Ladies Open, she received an entry into the main draw by virtue of an emptied lucky-loser spot. There, she stunned fourth seed and 56th-ranked Tamara Zidanšek, in straight sets,<ref>{{Cite web|title='Everything was so good!' – Samsonova too strong for Zidansek in Palermo|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/1446618/-everything-was-so-good-samsonova-too-strong-for-zidansek-in-palermo|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> before hitting 41 winners to beat Lausanne champion Fiona Ferro in the quarterfinals to make her first tour semifinal. However, she ran out of steam as she was defeated by eventual champion Jil Teichmann, in straight sets.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-07-26|title=WTA roundup: Teichmann, Samsonova advance at Palerm|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-tennis-roundup-wta-idUSKCN1UL2UR|access-date=2020-08-14}}</ref>
Choosing not to defend her title in Saint-Malo, her ranking dipped from 131 to 163 in September, but qualifying for the main draw at the Tashkent Open allowed her to improve her ranking. Going into the Internationaux de Poitiers, an $80k event, unseeded and looming, Samsonova strolled into the final without losing a set but lost to rising star Nina Stojanović, in straight sets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nina Stojanovic wins ITF singles title at Poitiers|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Tennis_Stories/79181/nina-stojanovic-wins-itf-singles-title-at-poitiers-/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Tennis World USA|date=30 October 2019 }}</ref> Her good run continued at the WTA 125 Open de Limoges, where she reached the quarterfinals by beating top-100 players Camila Giorgi and Alizé Cornet.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Scognamiglio|first=Pietro|date=2019-12-17|title=La nuova stagione di Giorgi parte male: KO a Limoges contro Samsonova|url=https://www.ubitennis.com/blog/2019/12/17/la-nuova-stagione-di-giorgi-parte-male-ko-a-limoges-contro-samsonova/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Ubitennis|language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Tennis, WTA 125K Limoges 2019: Samsonova elimina anche Cornet, Parmentier vince il derby con Garcia|url=https://www.oasport.it/2019/12/tennis-wta-125k-limoges-2019-samsonova-elimina-anche-cornet-parmentier-vince-il-derby-con-garcia/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Your Site NAME Goes HERE|date=18 December 2019|language=it-IT}}</ref>
She ended the year with a 32–27 win–loss record with an impressive nine top-100 wins, partly due to competing in more WTA Tour events and facing tougher draws in the process.
===2020: Steady presence on WTA Tour=== Starting the year at the Premier-level Brisbane International, Samsonova survived the qualifying rounds which included a straight-sets win over Kristina Mladenovic.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mladenovic vs. Samsonova {{!}} Qualifying Brisbane International 2020 {{!}} WTA Official|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/tournament/800/brisbane/2020/scores/RS010|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association|date=5 January 2020 }}</ref> Drawing former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the first round of the main draw, she clinched the best win of her career by beating the American in three sets, serving ten aces in the process and blasting countless winners with her "fearless aggression".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Osaka, Kvitova win openers in Brisbane|url=https://ausopen.com/articles/news/osaka-kvitova-win-openers-brisbane|access-date=2020-08-14|website=ausopen.com}}</ref> Although she was defeated by world No. 7, Petra Kvitová, in the second round, Samsonova headed to the Australian Open with a new career-high ranking of No. 118.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brisbane: Osaka survives, Barty stunned|url=https://ausopen.com/articles/news/brisbane-osaka-survives-barty-stunned|access-date=2020-08-14|website=ausopen.com}}</ref>
Beating Wang Xiyu in the final qualifying round, Samsonova qualified for the main draw in Melbourne for the first time in her career.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trevisan beats Bouchard in Australian Open qualifying to make Slam debut|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1574005/trevisan-beats-bouchard-in-australian-open-qualifying-to-make-slam-debut|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association|date=17 January 2020 }}</ref> Drawing former French Open champion, Jeļena Ostapenko, in the first round, she was outpowered and committed 24 unforced errors en route a straight-sets defeat.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Martinez|first=Rudy|date=2020-01-21|title=Australian Open 2020: Jelena Ostapenko wins against Ludmilla Samsonova|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/australian-open-2020-jelena-ostapenko-wins-against-ludmilla-samsonova|access-date=2020-08-14|website=www.sportskeeda.com}}</ref> In the match, Samsonova also set the record of hitting the fastest serve on the women's side throughout the entire tournament in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Melbourne|first=Stuart Fraser, Tennis Correspondent|title=Australian Open: Coco Gauff is a fast learner who fears no one|newspaper=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/tennis/article/australian-open-coco-gauff-is-a-fast-learner-who-fears-no-one-vscdbnrvm|access-date=2020-08-14|issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
Heading back to Russia for the St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy, she qualified for the main draw but fell to fellow Russian Anastasia Potapova in the first round.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Focused Potapova primed for St. Petersburg breakthrough|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1607726/focused-potapova-primed-for-st-petersburg-breakthrough|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association|date=5 February 2020 }}</ref> Similar to 2019, Samsonova failed to qualify for the main draw at the Qatar Ladies Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the tour to go on a hiatus for a couple of months.
With the tour resuming at the Palermo Ladies Open, she took part in the qualifying rounds and defeated Marta Kostyuk for the second time this year en route qualifying for the main draw. Defeating Kirsten Flipkens in the first round,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ook Kirsten Flipkens is er niet in geslaagd om de eerste ronde in Palermo te overleven|url=https://www.tenniskrant.be/nieuws/2020-08-04/ook-kirsten-flipkens-is-er-niet-in-geslaagd-om-de-eerste-ronde-in-palermo-te-overleven|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Tenniskrant.be|date=4 August 2020|language=nl}}</ref> and exacting revenge for her two losses to the Belgian in 2019, Samsonova set up an interesting clash with top seed Petra Martić. Despite leading by a set, Samsonova was unable to beat the Croatian, who ultimately reached semifinals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Martic survives Samsonova to book Palermo quarterfinals|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/1749465/martic-survives-samsonova-to-book-palermo-quarterfinals|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref>
Samsonova lost in the first round of both of the US Open and French Open to the resurgent Tsvetana Pironkova and eventual finalist Sofia Kenin, respectively. The Russian led Kenin by a break in the final set in her first career match against a top 10 opposition.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kenin survives Samsonova to start Roland Garros campaign|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/1848317/kenin-survives-samsonova-to-start-roland-garros-campaign|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> She ended her year with a runner-up finish at the 25k event in Reims, falling to Océane Dodin, in straight sets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Océane Dodin remporte les Internationaux de Reims|url=https://www.lhebdoduvendredi.com/article/38948/oceane-dodin-remporte-les-internationaux-de-reims|access-date=2021-09-18|website=L'Hebdo du Vendredi|date=26 October 2020|language=fr-FR}}</ref>
===2021: Maiden WTA Tour title, Wimbledon fourth round, top 50 debut=== [[File:Samsonova WMQ19 (5).jpg|thumb|right|upright=.7|Samsonova ''(pictured in 2019)'' reached the fourth round of a major for the first time at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships.]] Samsonova began the year at the Australian Open qualifying, which was held in Dubai due to pandemic-related reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai to host Australian Open 2021 women's qualifying|url=https://ausopen.com/articles/news/dubai-host-australian-open-2021-womens-qualifying|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ausopen.com}}</ref> She beat the 30th seed, former top-30 player Lesia Tsurenko, in straight sets, to book her ticket to Melbourne for a second successive year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Australian Open qualifiers 2021: Full list of qualifiers for the Australian Open|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/tennis/news/australian-open-qualifiers-2021-full-list-of-qualifiers-for-the-australian-open/y96b2nytoywe14qv33arlwwcp|access-date=2021-09-18|website=www.sportingnews.com-au|date=15 August 2021 }}</ref> She lost in the opening round of the Yarra Valley Classic, a tune-up event to the Australian Open to Tsvetana Pironkova, but rebounded to earn her first Grand Slam main-draw victory over Paula Badosa, recovering from 3–5 down in the final set to triumph.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ransom|first=Ian|date=2021-02-09|title=Tennis-Badosa blames COVID-19 quarantine for first-round loss|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-tennis-ausopen-badosa-idUKKBN2A9174|access-date=2021-09-18}}</ref> Her run ended in the second round, in the hands of world No. 14, Garbiñe Muguruza, in straight sets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Women's wrap: Swiatek strong, Muguruza flies, Venus hobbled|url=https://ausopen.com/articles/news/womens-wrap-swiatek-strong-muguruza-flies-venus-hobbled|access-date=2021-09-18|website=ausopen.com}}</ref> She ended her trip in Australia with another successful qualifying campaign at the Adelaide International, reaching the main draw and challenging sixth seed Martić to three sets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Swiatek, Gauff earn second round spots in Adelaide|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2041773/swiatek-gauff-earn-second-round-spots-in-adelaide|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref>
Samsonova returned to the tour at the Miami Open, where she qualified for the main draw with consecutive wins. In the first round, she then beat fellow hard-hitting Camila Giorgi, in straight sets.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} She earned the biggest win of her career over world No. 11, Kiki Bertens, after losing just three games, reaching the third round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-26|title=Dramatic withdrawal of Bertens in Miami, also Russian fall without a chance {{!}} Sport|url=https://netherlandsnewslive.com/dramatic-withdrawal-of-bertens-in-miami-also-russian-fall-without-a-chance-sport/120689/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Netherlands News Live}}</ref> Samsonova lost to Maria Sakkari eventually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-29 |title=Maria Sakkari Advances To Fourth Round At Miami Open — Greek City Times |url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/03/29/maria-sakkari-fourth-miami-open/ |access-date=2022-03-18 }}</ref>
She then began her clay-court campaign at the Charleston Open and MUSC Health Women's Open, held at the same venue in consecutive weeks, and suffered early losses to Coco Gauff<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-08|title=Barty crushes Doi, Gauff survives Samsonova at the Volvo Car Open|url=https://tennisuptodate.com/wta/barty-crushes-doi-gauff-survives-samsonova-at-the-volvo-car-open|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Tennisuptodate.com}}</ref> and Clara Tauson<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 Charleston 250 Highlights: Tauson powers past Samsonova in round one|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2103686/2021-charleston-250-highlights-tauson-powers-past-samsonova-in-round-one|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> in both tournaments, respectively. As a lucky loser, Samsonova reached the second round of the Emilia-Romagna Open, before being defeated by Martić once again. She then suffered a shock loss in the first round of qualifying at the French Open, losing to Aleksandra Krunić in three sets.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-26 |title=Cornet Worried: 'I Hear A Big Crack In My Hip' |url=https://www.tennis-tourtalk.com/74432/cornet-worried-i-hear-a-big-crack-in-my-hip |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Tennis TourTalk }}</ref>
Beginning her first career grass-court season at the German Open in Berlin, starting as a qualifier, she reached her first Tour final. Her campaign began with a tight win over Ana Konjuh in a final-set tiebreak to qualify for the main draw, before stunning Markéta Vondroušová in the first round. Samsonova then reached her first WTA 500 quarterfinal with a straight-sets defeat of compatriot Veronika Kudermetova, not facing a break point throughout the encounter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samsonova reaches first 500 QF, breaks Top 100 with Kudermetova win: Berlin Highlights|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2173579/samsonova-reaches-first-500-qf-breaks-top-100-with-kudermetova-win-berlin-highlights|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> Samsonova prevailed 7–6, 2–6, 7–6 over former top-10 player Madison Keys, saving 8/11 break points in the match,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Azarenka advances in Berlin; Samsonova shocks Keys in third-set tiebreak|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2174656/azarenka-advances-in-berlin-samsonova-shocks-keys-in-third-set-tiebreak|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> and followed it up with a bigger upset over two-time major champion Victoria Azarenka in the semifinal.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2174828/samsonova-shocks-azarenka-sets-berlin-final-meeting-with-bencic| title = Samsonova shocks Azarenka, sets Berlin final meeting with Bencic}}</ref> In the final, she upset world No. 12, Belinda Bencic, from a set down to win her maiden WTA Tour title.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2175444/qualifier-samsonova-stuns-bencic-charges-to-first-title-in-berlin| title = Qualifier Samsonova stuns Bencic, charges to first title in Berlin| work = Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> With this run she climbed 43 spots to reach a career-high ranking of world No. 63, on 21 June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/ranking-reaction-liudmila-samsonova-bursts-into-top-100-after-win-in-berlin|title = Ranking Reaction: Liudmila Samsonova bursts into Top 100 after win in Berlin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rankings Watch: Samsonova makes Top 100 debut|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2175945/rankings-watch-samsonova-makes-top-100-debut|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref>
By virtue of her Berlin run, she also received a wildcard into the main draw of Wimbledon, making her debut in the main draw.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2021/June/Samsonova-Captures-Berlin-to-Become-the-WTA-s-10th.aspx|title = Samsonova Captures Berlin to Become the WTA's 10th Maiden Title Winner of 2021 – Tennis Now}}</ref> There, she rode on her momentum and reached the fourth round of a major for the first time in her career, after defeating the giant-killing Kaia Kanepi,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Venus victorious over Buzarnescu in 90th Grand Slam appearance|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2180763/venus-victorious-over-buzarnescu-in-90th-grand-slam-appearance|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> 22nd seed Jessica Pegula and former Grand Slam champion, Sloane Stephens, in three sets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tennis-In-form Samsonova powers past Stephens to reach Wimbledon last 16|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/tennis-form-samsonova-powers-past-stephens-reach-wimbledon-last-16-1997341|access-date=2021-09-18|website=CNA}}</ref> In her first appearance in the second week of a major, she lost to eventual finalist Karolína Plíšková, in straight sets. Following this best run in her career, she made her top 60 debut.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mertens back to doubles No.1, Muguruza returns to Top 10 following Wimbledon|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2188105/mertens-back-to-doubles-no-1-muguruza-returns-to-top-10-following-wimbledon|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref>
Contesting the main draws of the Canadian Open and the Western & Southern Open for the first time in her career, Samsonova recorded a good win over top-20 player Elena Rybakina but lost to Sara Sorribes Tormo<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pliskova, Sakkari survive gruelling encounters to reach Montreal third round|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2212943/pliskova-sakkari-survive-gruelling-encounters-to-reach-montreal-third-round|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> and Victoria Azarenka,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gauff stops Hsieh to set meeting with Osaka; Azarenka advances in Cincinnati|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2222935/gauff-stops-hsieh-to-set-meeting-with-osaka-azarenka-advances-in-cincinnati|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> respectively. Samsonova won her first main-draw match at the US Open over Katie Boulter.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Challies|first=Josh|date=2021-09-01|title=Katie Boulter suffers defeat to Liudmila Samsonova in first round of US Open|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/other-sport/katie-boulter-us-open-result-5856590|access-date=2021-09-18|website=LeicestershireLive}}</ref>
Seeded seventh at the Luxembourg Open, she defeated Misaki Doi and Océane Dodin to reach her first quarterfinal since Berlin. There, she stunned the top seed Bencic once again, prevailing in straight sets.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-18|title=Tennis: Olympic champion Bencic thrashed in Luxembourg quarter-finals|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/tennis-olympic-champion-bencic-thrashed-in-luxembourg-quarter-finals|access-date=2021-09-19|website=The Straits Times}}</ref> Samsonova lost to Jeļena Ostapenko in the semifinals, but reached another new career-high ranking after the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ostapenko overpowers Samsonova in Luxembourg, to meet Tauson in final|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2258904/ostapenko-overpowers-samsonova-in-luxembourg-to-meet-tauson-in-final|access-date=2021-09-19|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> She made her main-draw debut at the Indian Wells Open, triumphing over Kateryna Kozlova in the first round,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stephens rallies to beat Watson, Putintseva secures opening win at Indian Wells|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2284445/stephens-rallies-to-beat-watson-putintseva-secures-opening-win-at-indian-wells|access-date=2021-10-24|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> but fell to compatriot Kudermetova in the second round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kudermetova vs. Samsonova {{!}} Round of 64 BNP Paribas Open 2021 {{!}} WTA Official |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/tournament/609/indian-wells/2021/scores/LS062 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association |date=8 October 2021 }}</ref>
Samsonova lost to Ajla Tomljanović in the first round of the Kremlin Cup,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-18|title=Tomljanovic advances at WTA's Kremlin Cup|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/tennis/tomljanovic-advances-at-wtas-kremlin-cup-c-4275191|access-date=2021-10-24|website=The West Australian}}</ref> then reached the semifinals of the Courmayeur Ladies Open but lost to Tauson once again, this time after having five match points.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tauson saves 5 match points and ousts Samsonova; Vekic rolls into Courmayeur final|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2317274/tauson-saves-5-match-points-and-ousts-samsonova-vekic-rolls-into-courmayeur-final|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> Nonetheless, she managed to make her top 40 debut after the tournament. She ended season at the BJK Cup Finals, making her debut in the tournament but played a pivotal role in clinching the title for Russia as she went unbeaten throughout the week.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- Proud history, bright future: Prague provides brillant [sic] BJK Cup Finals|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/322390.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> She clinched singles wins over Sloane Stephens<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- Samsonova doubles down to lead RTF to Billie Jean King Cup final|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/322306.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> and Belinda Bencic<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- RTF down Switzerland to claim fifth Billie Jean King Cup crown|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/322377.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> and extended her head-to-head record against both players to 3–0. She also partnered Veronika Kudermetova and won all six sets they contested, defeating Canada,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- Locker room carnage and fancy dress dares: RTF eliminate Canada from Finals|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/322071.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> France<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- RTF rally from behind to beat France to semi-final berth|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/322197.aspx|access-date=2021-11-07|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> and the United States.<ref name=":0" />
===2022: Indian Wells & US Open 4th rounds, top 20, three titles=== Samsonova began at the Melbourne Summer Set 1 and suffered a first-round loss to former top-10 player Andrea Petkovic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Petkovic relishing every moment: 'I'm seeing the finish line' |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2441012/petkovic-relishing-every-moment-i-m-seeing-the-finish-line- |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> She reached her first quarterfinal of the season at the Adelaide International 2 but lost to Madison Keys.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsonova vs. Keys {{!}} Quarterfinal Adelaide International 2 2022 {{!}} WTA Official |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/tournament/2030/adelaide-250/2022/scores/LS007 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association |date=13 January 2022 }}</ref> At the Australian Open, she beat qualifier Emina Bektas in the first round, reaching the second for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Emina Bektas vs Liudmila Samsonova – WS162 {{!}} AO |url=https://ausopen.com/match/2022-emina-bektas-vs-liudmila-samsonova-ws162 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=ausopen.com}}</ref>
She lost in the qualifying rounds of the Dubai Championships,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsonova vs. Dart {{!}} Qualifying Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2022 {{!}} WTA Official |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/tournament/718/dubai/2022/scores/RS020 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association |date=13 February 2022 }}</ref> before falling to Alizé Cornet in the first round of the Qatar Ladies Open, in a three-set match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Azarenka saves match point, overcomes Putintseva in Doha comeback |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2496222/azarenka-saves-match-point-overcomes-putintseva-in-doha-comeback |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref>
Nonetheless, she found form in Indian Wells where she made the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martic rallies past Raducanu to reach Indian Wells Round of 16 |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2531971/martic-rallies-past-raducanu-to-reach-indian-wells-round-of-16 |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> However, she lost to Petra Martić in the fourth round in their fourth consecutive meeting.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Halep tops fellow Romanian Cirstea to make Indian Wells quarters |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2535692/halep-tops-fellow-romanian-cirstea-to-make-indian-wells-quarters |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref>
She reached the top 25 on 9 May 2022 after a semifinal showing at the Stuttgart Grand Prix<ref name=WtaSamRnk/> which she lost to top seed Iga Świątek.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> She lost in the first round at both WTA 1000 tournaments: the Madrid Open and the Italian Open.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> At the French Open, she lost also in the first round, to Danka Kovinić.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/>
During the summer hardcourt tour, Samsonova collected two back-to-back titles. First, she played at the Washington Open, and won five matches including a second-round win over top-10 player Emma Raducanu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WTA Staff |date=6 August 2022 |title=Photos: Samsonova ousts Raducanu to lead field into D.C. semis |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2722818/photos-samsonova-ousts-raducanu-to-lead-field-into-d-c-semis |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=WTA Tennis}}</ref> In the final, she defeated Kaia Kanepi, after losing the first set.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WTA Staff |date=7 August 2022 |title=Samsonova triumphs in Washington for second career title |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2732645/samsonova-triumphs-in-washington-for-second-career-title |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=WTA Tennis}}</ref> Her next stop was supposed to be Canadian Open qualifying but she was forced to withdraw due to still playing at Washington D.C. She then played at the Tennis in the Land event in Cleveland. Beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the final, she won her second title of the year and recorded her tenth consecutive win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WTA Staff |date=28 August 2022 |title=Samsonova wins second straight title, 10th straight match in Cleveland |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2765107/samsonova-wins-second-straight-title-10th-straight-match-in-cleveland |access-date=28 August 2022 |website=WTA Tennis}}</ref>
At the US Open, she reached the fourth round for the first time at this major defeating qualifier Sara Bejlek, 14th seed Leylah Fernandez, and Aleksandra Krunić.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2022-09-02/samsonova_advances_to_us_open_round_of_16_could_face_serena_next.html |title=Surging Samsonova advances to US Open Round of 16 |first=Clair |last=Maciel |date=2 September 2022 |website=US Open |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref> In the fourth round, she lost to Ajla Tomljanović after an intense one hour first-set battle, losing eight set points and a 20 minute game.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tomljanovic 'speechless' after epic fightback |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/us-open-2022-ajla-tomljanovic-beats-ludmilla-samsonova/32209404-b26f-4a9c-91a5-b7211b7c0087 |access-date=2022-09-05 |website=wwos.nine.com.au |date=September 5, 2022 }}</ref>
In Tokyo, she defeated Elena Rybakina, Wang Xinyu,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Martic ousts Pliskova; Samsonova to face Muguruza in Tokyo quarters |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2799060/martic-ousts-pliskova-samsonova-to-face-muguruza-in-tokyo-quarters |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> third seed Garbiñe Muguruza,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zhang Shuai storms into Tokyo semifinals; Samsonova bests Muguruza |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2799772/zhang-shuai-storms-into-tokyo-semifinals-samsonova-bests-muguruza |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> and Zhang Shuai to reached her third final of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zheng Qinwen into first WTA final; will meet Samsonova in Tokyo |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2801066/zheng-qinwen-into-first-wta-final-will-meet-samsonova-in-tokyo |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> In the final, she beat first-time finalist Zheng Qinwen to win her fourth career title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsonova wins Tokyo, edges Zheng Qinwen for third title of 2022 |url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2801554/samsonova-wins-tokyo-edges-zheng-qinwen-for-third-title-of-2022 |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> However, she lost in the first round of the San Diego Open to Bianca Andreescu, in three sets. In Guadalajara, she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the second round for her first top-5 win, before losing to Marie Bouzková in three sets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2861515/samsonova-tops-sabalenka-in-guadalajara-collins-advances|title=Samsonova tops Sabalenka in Guadalajara; Collins advances|website=Women's Tennis Association}}</ref> With this result, she made her top 20 debut in the WTA rankings on 24 October.<ref name=WtaSamRnk/>
===2023: Top 15 debut, two WTA 1000 finals in singles, top 40 in doubles=== [[File:Liudmila Samsonova (2023 US Open) 17 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=.7|Samsonova at the 2023 US Open]] Samsonova began her season at the Adelaide International 1 as she sweeped past Zhang Shuai for her first win of the year. She lost in the second round to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in two tiebreaks despite being up 5–1 in the first set.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3008222/sabalenka-saves-seven-set-points-beats-samsonova-in-adelaide-1|title=Sabalenka saves seven set points, beats Samsonova in Adelaide 1}}</ref> This was followed by a straight-sets loss to Amanda Anisimova in Adelaide 2 in round one. Seeded 18th at the Australian Open, she defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets, before losing to Donna Vekić in the second, winning only three games.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/>
At Dubai, she also won in the first round, against Paula Badosa, in the third longest match of the year lasting three hours and 22 minutes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3077426/bencic-outlasts-kostyuk-in-dubai-in-second-longest-match-of-season | title=Bencic outlasts Kostyuk in Dubai in second-longest match of season | work=Women's Tennis Association }}</ref> She reached the third round by a walkover from Zheng Qinwen but lost to top seed and world No. 1, Iga Świątek. At the same tournament, with Veronika Kudermetova, she won the doubles title.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3082438/kudermetova-samsonova-win-dubai-doubles-title | title=Kudermetova, Samsonova win Dubai doubles title }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/3086011/champions-corner-kudermetova-samsonova-cement-successful-partnership | title=Champions Corner: Kudermetova, Samsonova cement partnership in Dubai }}</ref> As a result, she reached new career-high rankings of world No. 12 in singles and No. 59 in doubles on 27 February 2023.<ref name=WtaSamRnk/>
She reached the top 40 in doubles on 12 June 2023,<ref name=WtaSamRnk/> following the French Open where she reached the quarterfinals with Kudermetova.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/>
Samsonova reached the final of the WTA 1000 Canadian Open where she lost to Jessica Pegula.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> She also reached the final at the WTA 1000 China Open in which she lost to Iga Świątek.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/>
===2024: Fifth WTA singles title=== [[File:Samsonova Rosmalen.jpg|thumb|upright=.7|Samsonova at the 2024 Rosmalen Open]] Samsonova had a low-key start to the season. She participated in the Brisbane International as the fourth seed and lost in her debut in the second round to Mirra Andreeva, in straight sets.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> Soon after, she participated in the Adelaide International as the seventh seed, being defeated in the first round by Laura Siegemund, in three sets.<ref name=WtaSamMtch/><ref name=note1 group=note/> At the Australian Open, as the 13th seed, she also lost in the first round to Amanda Anisimova, in straight sets.<ref name=Sam2024-01>{{cite web |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/australian-open-2024-amanda-anisimova-vs-liudmila-samsonova-result-mental-health/2746af91-e69a-4502-ab1c-82ba4ab3b85f |title=Amanda Anisimova wins on return to grand slam tennis after mental health break |language=en |publisher=nine.com.au |author=Zachary Gates |date=2024-01-14 |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref>
Continuing her hardcourt campaign in the Middle East at the Abu Dhabi Open as the eight seed, Samsonova defeated Lesia Tsurenko, Anhelina Kalinina, and Barbora Krejčíková in straight sets on the way to the semifinals, before losing to Elena Rybakina in three sets.<ref name=Sam2024-02>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/elena-rybakina-snaps-liudmila-samsonova-streak-surges-into-abu-dhabi-final |title=Elena Rybakina snaps Liudmila Samsonova streak, surges into Abu Dhabi final |language=en |publisher=tennis.com |author=David Kane |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2024-02-10}}</ref>
She won her fifth career title at the Rosmalen Open defeating Bianca Andreescu in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/liudmila-samsonova-dashes-bianca-andreescu-birthday-title-hopes-den-bosch-grass-final|title=Liudmila Samsonova dashes Bianca Andreescu's birthday title hopes in Den Bosch|date=16 June 2024|accessdate= 16 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4039464/samsonova-stops-andreescu-in-s-hertogenbosch-to-capture-fifth-career-title|title=Samsonova stops Andreescu in 's-Hertogenbosch to capture fifth career title|date=16 June 2024|accessdate=16 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://libema-open.nl/en/2024/06/17/samsonova-libema-open-champion-2024/ |title= Samsonova Libéma Open champion 2024 |date=17 June 2024|accessdate=19 June 2024}}</ref>
In August, Samsonova reached back to back quarterfinals at the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, losing to Diana Shnaider<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4080272/shnaider-ousts-samsonova-in-toronto-to-make-first-wta-1000-semifinal|title=Shnaider ousts Samsonova in Toronto to make first WTA 1000 semifinal|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=29 August 2024}}</ref> and Aryna Sabalenka,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/western-southern-open-sabalenka-into-semi-finals-779633.html|title=Sabalenka sinks Samsonova to reach Cincinnati semi-finals|date=August 17, 2024 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=29 August 2024}}</ref> respectively.
===2025: Wimbledon quarterfinal, third WTA doubles title=== Samsonova reached the semifinals at the Adelaide International, defeating qualifiers Marie Bouzková<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/adelaide-international-wta-500-wta-tour-news/adelaide-open-samsonova-makes-second-round-802441.html|title=Adelaide Open: Samsonova makes second round|date=January 7, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=11 January 2025}}</ref> and Belinda Bencic,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/wta-adelaide-samsonova-reaches-quarter-finals-faces-navarro-next-802669.html|title=WTA Adelaide: Samsonova reaches quarter-finals, faces Navarro next|date=January 8, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=11 January 2025}}</ref> then second seed Emma Navarro, <ref>{{cite web|url=https://tennisuptodate.com/wta/adelaide-international-2025-liudmila-samsonova-stuns-emma-navarro-to-secure-semifinal-berth-and-top-20-comeback|title=Adelaide International 2025: Liudmila Samsonova stuns Emma Navarro to secure semifinal berth and top-20 comeback|date=January 9, 2025 |publisher=tennisuptodate.com|accessdate=11 January 2025}}</ref> before losing to eventual champion Madison Keys.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4196691/keys-advances-past-injured-samsonova-into-adelaide-final|title=Pegula, Keys set all-American final in Adelaide|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=11 January 2025}}</ref> Seeded 25th at the Australian Open, she overcame Kamilla Rakhimova,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/australian-open-news/australian-open-samsonova-races-past-rakhimova-to-make-second-round-803403.html|title=Australian Open: Samsonova races past Rakhimova to make second round|date=January 13, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=16 January 2025}}</ref> before losing in the second round to Olga Danilović.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/australian-open-news/australian-open-danilovic-races-past-samsonova-803940.html|title=Australian Open: Danilovic races past Samsonova|date=January 15, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=16 January 2025}}</ref>
In May, Samsonova was the runner-up at the Strasbourg Open, recording wins over Linda Nosková,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/strasbourg-open-samsonova-makes-second-round-821688.html|title=Strasbourg Open: Samsonova makes second round|date=May 18, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=24 May 2025}}</ref> wildcard entrant Diane Parry,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tennisthreads.net/strasbourg-rybakina-badosa-and-samsonova-advance-to-quarters/|title=Strasbourg - Rybakina, Badosa and Samsonova advance to quarters|date=May 21, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Threads|accessdate=24 May 2025}}</ref> third seed Paula Badosa<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/internationaux-de-strasbourg-wta-250/strasbourg-open-samsonova-knocks-out-badosa-to-make-last-four-822312.html|title=Strasbourg Open: Samsonova knocks out Badosa to make last four|date=May 22, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=24 May 2025}}</ref> and Danielle Collins,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/strasbourg-open-samsonova-cruises-past-collins-to-make-final-822434.html|title=Strasbourg Open: Samsonova cruises past Collins to make final|date=May 23, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=24 May 2025}}</ref> before losing in the final to fourth seed Elena Rybakina in three sets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4272951/reigning-in-strasbourg-rybakina-wins-first-title-in-over-a-year|title=Reigning in Strasbourg: Rybakina wins first title in over a year|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=24 May 2025}}</ref>
Seeded 19th at the French Open, Samsonova defeated Mayar Sherif,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/roland-garros-news/roland-garros-samsonova-beats-sherif-to-reach-second-round-822897.html|title=Roland-Garros: Samsonova beats Sherif to reach second round|date=May 26, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> qualifier Leyre Romero Gormaz<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/matches/wta/french-open/leyre-romero-gormaz-vs-liudmila-samsonova|title=Leyre Romero Gormaz vs Liudmila Samsonova|date=May 27, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> and Dayana Yastremska<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/roland-garros-news/roland-garros-samsonova-moves-into-last-16-823843.html|title=Roland-Garros: Samsonova moves into last 16|date=May 30, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> to make it through to the fourth round, where she lost to eighth seed Zheng Qinwen.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sridhar |first1=Shrivathsa |last2=Sridhar |first2=Shrivathsa |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/zheng-subdues-samsonova-reach-maiden-french-open-quarter-final-2025-06-01/|title=Zheng subdues Samsonova to reach maiden French Open quarter-final|work=Reuters |date=June 2025 |accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref>
Moving onto the grass-court season, she partnered Nicole Melichar-Martinez to reach the doubles final at the Rosmalen Open, losing to second seeds Irina Khromacheva and Fanny Stollár in straight sets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://libema-open.nl/en/2025/06/14/womens-doubles-title-goes-to-khromacheva-and-stollar/|title=Women's doubles title goes to Khromacheva and Stollar|publisher=Libema Open|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> The following week at the Berlin Open, Samsonova defeated Naomi Osaka,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4288950/samsonova-ousts-osaka-in-berlin-vondrousova-advances-and-zheng-withdraws|title=Samsonova ousts Osaka in Berlin; Vondrousova advances and Zheng withdraws|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> defending champion Jessica Pegula<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennisnow.com/News/2025/June/Samsonova-Saves-Two-MP,-Out-Duels-Defending-Champi.aspx|title=Samsonova Saves Two MP, Out-Duels Defending-Champion Pegula in Berlin Marathon|publisher=Tennis Now|accessdate=18 June 2025}}</ref> and Amanda Anisimova to make the semifinals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/berlin-hylo-wta-500-wta-tour-news/berlin-open-samsonova-dismantles-anisimova-to-make-last-four-826449.html|title=Berlin Open: Samsonova dismantles Anisimova to make last four|date=June 20, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=20 June 2025}}</ref> where she lost to qualifier Wang Xinyu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4293012/vondrousova-ousts-sabalenka-in-berlin-earns-first-win-over-a-world-no-1|title=Vondrousova ousts No. 1 Sabalenka in Berlin; faces Wang Xinyu in final|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=21 June 2025}}</ref> Seeded 19th at Wimbledon, she recorded straight set wins over Maya Joint,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/a-life-lesson-for-aussie-joint-as-redhot-form-lines-are-turned-upside-down-on-another-wimbledon-scorcher/news-story/793fa50101e848c7f2d2d6084f7d2e8e|title=Aussie teen joins bombshell exits as seed carnage unfolds on another Wimbledon scorcher|work=Fox Sports|date=July 2025 |accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> Yuliia Starodubtseva,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/matches/wta/wimbledon/yulia-starodubtsewa-vs-liudmila-samsonova|title=Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Liudmila Samsonova|date=July 2, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> 16th seed Daria Kasatkina<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wimbledon-news/wimbledon-samsonova-downs-kasatkina-in-the-third-round-828661.html|title=Wimbledon: Samsonova downs Kasatkina in the third round|date=July 5, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=6 July 2025}}</ref> and Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro to reach the quarterfinals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennismajors.com/wimbledon-news/wimbledon-samsonova-books-spot-in-last-8-829081.html|title=Wimbledon: Samsonova books spot in last 8|date=July 7, 2025 |publisher=Tennis Majors|accessdate=7 July 2025}}</ref> where she lost to eighth seed Iga Świątek.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4306479/breaking-new-ground-swiatek-moves-into-first-wimbledon-semifinal|title=Breaking new ground: Swiatek moves into first Wimbledon semifinal|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=9 July 2025}}</ref>
In August as top seed at the Cleveland Open, Samsonova defeated Caroline Dolehide<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4343859/former-champ-samsonova-saves-six-set-points-vs-dolehide-in-cleveland|title=Former champ Samsonova saves six set points vs. Dolehide in Cleveland|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> and qualifier Wang Yafan,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4345777/former-champ-samsonova-defeats-wang-yafan-to-return-to-cleveland-quarters|title=Former champ Samsonova defeats Wang Yafan to return to Cleveland quarters|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> before losing to another qualifier and eventual champion Sorana Cîrstea in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4347223/cirstea-upsets-top-seed-samsonova-in-cleveland-fourth-top-20-win-of-2025|title=Cirstea upsets top seed Samsonova in Cleveland; fourth Top 20 win of 2025|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref>
Teaming up with Nicole Melichar-Martinez, she won her third WTA Tour doubles title at the Ningbo Open, overcoming Tímea Babos and Luisa Stefani in the final which went to a deciding champions tiebreak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4385270/perfect-10-rybakina-defeats-alexandrova-to-claim-milestone-ningbo-title|title=Perfect 10: Rybakina defeats Alexandrova to claim milestone Ningbo title|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref>
===2026: Fourth WTA doubles title, two singles quarterfinals=== Samsonova started her 2026 season at the Brisbane International, where, as 10th seed, she received a bye and registered wins over wildcard entrant Emerson Jones<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4429765/samsonova-withstands-opening-blitz-by-emerson-jones-to-advance-in-brisbane|title=Samsonova withstands opening blitz by Emerson Jones to advance in Brisbane|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> and qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich to make it through to the quarterfinals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4430758/samsonova-defeats-sasnovich-in-straight-sets-to-reach-brisbane-quarters|title=Samsonova defeats Sasnovich in straight sets to reach Brisbane quarters|publisher=Womens Tennis Association|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> at which point her run was ended by fourth seed Jessica Pegula.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.tennistemple.com/video/jessica-pegula-defeats-liudmila-samsonov/A31|title=Jessica Pegula defeats Liudmila Samsonova at Brisbane 2026 – Quarter-Final|publisher=Tennis Temple|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref>
In February at the Abu Dhabi Open, she defeated Sofia Kenin<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.tennistemple.com/video/samsonova-defeats-kenin-at-abu-dhabi-ope/eTLb|title=Samsonova defeats Kenin at Abu Dhabi Open 2026 – Round 1|publisher=Tennis Temple|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> and Janice Tjen,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.tennistemple.com/video/samsonova-defeats-tjen-at-abu-dhabi-2026/qkKD|title=Samsonova defeats Tjen at Abu Dhabi 2026 – Round of 16|publisher=Tennis Temple|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref> before losing to wildcard entrant Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.tennistemple.com/video/baptiste-defeats-samsonova-at-abu-dhabi/tbfE|title=Baptiste defeats Samsonova at Abu Dhabi 2026 – Quarter-Final|publisher=Tennis Temple|accessdate=8 April 2026}}</ref>
Teaming up with Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Samsonova won her fourth WTA Tour doubles title at the Stuttgart Open in April, defeating Jeļena Ostapenko and Zhang Shuai in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/4490085/melichar-martinez-samsonovas-reunion-ends-in-stuttgart-doubles-title|title=Melichar-Martinez, Samsonova's reunion ends with Stuttgart doubles title|publisher=Women's Tennis Association|accessdate=19 April 2026}}</ref>
==Billie Jean King Cup== Samsonova has competed for the Russian team since 2021, securing her first nomination at the 2020–21 Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where she was the fifth-ranked singles player for Russia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Billie Jean King Cup- Group A Preview: France, Canada, RTF|url=https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/news/321620.aspx|access-date=2021-10-24|website=www.billiejeankingcup.com}}</ref> She made her debut in doubles alongside Kudermetova, defeating the world No. 5 pair Gabriela Dabrowski and Rebecca Marino 6–3 and 6–1.<ref name=":2" /> Continuing her partnership with Kudermetova, they defeated Clara Burel and Alizé Cornet in 47 minutes to seal a 2–1 win over France, booking their spot in the semifinals.<ref name=":3" /> Samsonova was pivotal in Russia's win over the United States as she made her singles debut against Sloane Stephens, coming from a set and multiple break points down to win the first rubber. She then came back alongside Kudermetova to beat Shelby Rogers and CoCo Vandeweghe and seal a spot in the final.<ref name=":0" /> In the final, Samsonova continued her unbeaten run, coming in as a late replacement for an injured Pavlyuchenkova to stun Belinda Bencic, once again from a set down, to clinch the title for Russia.<ref name=":1" />
==Career statistics== {{Main|Liudmila Samsonova career statistics}}
===Grand Slam performance timelines=== {{Performance key}}
====Singles==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !Tournaments!!2019!!2020!!2021 !2022!!2023 !2024!!2025!!2026!!{{Abbr|SR|Strike rate}}!!{{Abbr|W–L|Win–loss}}!!Win% |- |align=left|Australian Open |style=background:#f0f8ff|Q2 |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |0 / 7 |4–7 |{{tennis win percentage|won=4|lost=7|integer=yes}} |- |align=left|French Open |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#f0f8ff|Q1 |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|4R | |0 / 6 |6–6 |{{tennis win percentage|won=6|lost=6|integer=yes}} |- |align=left|Wimbledon |style=background:#f0f8ff|Q3 |style=color:#767676|NH |style=background:#afeeee|4R |A{{efn|Suspended due to the ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.|name=Wimbledon2022}} |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |bgcolor=ffebcd|QF | |0 / 4 |9–4 |{{tennis win percentage|won=9|lost=4|integer=yes}} |- |align=left|US Open |style=background:#f0f8ff|Q2 |style=background:#afeeee|1R |style=background:#afeeee|2R |style=background:#afeeee|4R |style=background:#afeeee|3R |style=background:#afeeee|4R |style=background:#afeeee|2R | |0 / 6 |10–6 |{{tennis win percentage|won=10|lost=6|integer=yes}} |- style="background:#efefef;font-weight:bold" |align=left|Win–loss |0–1 |0–3 |5–3 |4–3 |4–4 |7–4 |9–4 |0–1 |0 / 23 |29–23 |{{tennis win percentage|won=29|lost=23|integer=yes}} |}
====Doubles==== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" !Tournaments !2021 !2022 !2023 !2024 !2025 !2026 !{{Abbr|SR|Strike rate}} !{{Abbr|W–L|Win–loss}} !Win% |- | align="left" |Australian Open |A |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |A |bgcolor="afeeee"|2R | |0 / 3 |1–3 |{{tennis win percentage|won=1|lost=3|integer=yes}} |- | align="left" |French Open |A |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |bgcolor="ffebcd"|QF |A |bgcolor="afeeee"|2R | |0 / 3 |4–3 |{{tennis win percentage|won=4|lost=3|integer=yes}} |- |align="left" |Wimbledon |A |A{{efn|name=Wimbledon2022}} |A |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |bgcolor="afeeee"|3R | |0 / 2 |2–2 |{{tennis win percentage|won=2|lost=2|integer=yes}} |- | align="left" |US Open |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |bgcolor="afeeee"|2R |bgcolor="afeeee"|1R |A | |0 / 4 |1–4 |{{tennis win percentage|won=1|lost=4|integer=yes}} |- style="background:#efefef;font-weight:bold" | align="left" |Win–loss |0–1 |0–3 |4–3 |0–2 |4–3 |0–0 |0 / 12 |8–12 |{{tennis win percentage|won=8|lost=12|integer=yes}} |}
==Awards== ;International * Billie Jean King Cup Finals: ** Most Valuable Player: 2021.<ref name="mvp" /> ** Rookie of the Year: 2021.<ref name="mvp">{{cite web |title=Newcomer Liudmila Samsonova Clinches Billie Jean King Cup for Russia |url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/newcomer-liudmila-samsonova-clinches-billie-jean-king-cup-for-russia |work=Tennis |access-date=27 November 2021 |date=6 November 2021}}</ref>
;National * The Russian Cup in the nomination: ** Team of the Year: 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=2021|url=http://www.ruscup.ru/cups/2021/ |website=ruscup.ru |publisher=Russian Cup |access-date=1 January 2022}}</ref>
==Notes== {{Notelist}} {{notelist |group=note |refs= <ref name=note1>To obtain data from this reference, select the corresponding year on the WTA or ITF website.</ref> }}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Liudmila Samsonova}} * {{WTA}} * {{ITF}} * {{BJK Cup player}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Samsonova, Liudmila}} Category:1998 births Category:Living people Category:Russian emigrants to Italy Category:Russian expatriate sportspeople in Italy Category:Russian female tennis players Category:Italian female tennis players Category:People from Olenegorsk, Murmansk Oblast Category:Sportspeople from Murmansk Oblast Category:21st-century Italian sportswomen Category:21st-century Russian sportswomen