Maria has been chosen by the Russian Olympic committee to be the flag bearer at the Olympics opening ceremony in London on July 27th.

On Facebook, Maria said:
"Ahh finally I can share some exciting news with you! After the third round of the French Open, I woke up to a pretty memorable message.The Russian Olympic committee chose me to be the flag bearer at this years Olympic opening ceremony. I am so honored, and especially excited as it will be my first Olympics in my career.I have had to keep this hush hush for two weeks and keeping secrets is not my best quality!"

Maria joins Andrei Kirilenko, Aleksandr Popov, Andrey Lavrov and Aleksandr Karelin who carried the Russian flag at previous summer games.

205 nations will take part in the games and Russia will be 152 in the parade of nations.