Sharapova Returns!

Maria Sharapova made a formidable start to the hardcourt season, the US Open champion crushing Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the San Diego Classic. The Florida-based Russian world No2 launched her title defense with apparent ease as she returned to competition for the first time since falling in the fourth round at Wimbledon to eventual champion Venus Williams. The two-time Grand Slam champion showedno sign of discomfort from the lingering shoulder worry which required a pain-killing injection in the spring. Sharapova skipped Russia’s Fed Cup tie last month against the United States amid harsh home criticism, saying she needed to rest her injury. The 20-year-old, who lifted last year’s San Diego title without the loss of a set, beating Kim Clijsters in the final, led a string of Russians into the third round. Three other seeded Russians and world No42 Maria Kirilenko all advanced in straight sets.

Sharapova Confident Ahead of Wimbledon

Maria Sharapova is feeling pretty confident before next week’s Wimbledon after finishing strongly French Open semifinals earlier this month, on one of her least favourite surfaces and while still recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined her for two months.

“I think that definitely gives me a lot of confidence moving on to the grass season,” the 20-year-old world No 2 said.

“If my shoulder holds up and goes the way it went the last two weeks then I’m definitely really confident.”

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Jankovic upsets Sharapova

Maria Sharapova was searching for energy and Jelena Jankovic felt a “bit flat” Sunday in the DFS Classic championship after both players won early morning semifinal matches, but it was Janknovic who found what she needed to capture her fourth title of the year 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 and the first grass-court tournament of her career.

“I felt a little bit flat some of the time to be honest,” said Jankovic, a French Open semifinalist who has won on three different surfaces this season. “But I always fight, no matter what the score and in the final set I became more like the player I am.”

Sharapova was two points away from a 4-2 lead in the second set. She also had a chance to break early in the third.

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Sharapova’s Shoulder is a Cause for Concern

Despite beating Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia 6-1, 6-4 Saturday in the third round at Roland Garros, Maria Sharapova’s shoulder is still a cause for concern, she has said “I can’t expect a lot from my shoulder this week, just try to loosen it up as the match goes on.”

Sharapova missed most of the clay-court season because of the injury, but she’s sure she’s not rushing her return to play at the French Open — the only Grand Slam where the second-ranked Russian has not reached a final.

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Sharapova advances to the third round of French Open

Maria Sharapova, who missed nearly two months of the season because of an injured right shoulder, reached the third round in the women’s draw, easily beating Jill Craybas of the United States 6-2, 6-1.

“I feel it at times in the match,” Sharapova said. “I try not to think about it.”

Up 2-1 at the start, Craybas held three break points at love-40. But Sharapova won the next 11 points, holding serve with the help of three forehand winners in a row, then breaking Craybas at love when the American dumped a volley into the net with the entire court open.

Sharapova’s Close Season Update

Here is what Maria Sharapova had to say to her fans about this season on her site MariaSharapova.com:

Hi everyone!

I have had such a great year this year! Winning the US Open in New York was the highlight of course but it feels great to be playing well and injury free. The turning point was being able to practice a lot after Wimbledon and all that hard work paid off by winning San Diego and everything came together then.

Madrid came at the end of a very long year and of course I am disappointed that I lost but I can now look forward to my vacation!

Even though I won’t be playing again until January, keep coming back to the website for news, photos, videos and more!

Last, but not least, I cannot thank you enough for your amazing support this year. You guys make me realize how important it is to have such great fans. It’s been so fun, and I look forward to working hard for another successful year!

See you in 2007!

Maria

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