Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova; born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. A United States resident since 1994, Sharapova has competed on the WTA tour since 2001. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles by the WTA on five separate occasions, for a total of 21 weeks. She is one of ten women, and the only Russian, to hold the career Grand Slam. She is also an Olympic medalist, having earned silver for Russia in women's singles...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth19 April 1987
CityNyagan, Russia
CountryRussian Federation
In the second set, mentally I wasn't there and I didn't have any motivation. I wasn't fighting, I basically gave up.
In the second set I could have fought a little harder. I didn't have the fighting sprit that I usually have.
In the beginning of the match I wanted to dictate from the first point, I think it was very important. In the second set obviously it was very tough, but I was able to finish it off.
I gave it all I had in the tie breaker and then in the third I ran out of gas, ... At that point it's pretty tough, physically as the points were going longer, it was to Kim's advantage. Physically, I still have to get a lot better.
I'm naturally a lefty. I do a lot of things lefty. I write with my right hand but I throw and kick with my left foot and left hand.
I know that I did not win this match fairly, ... I do not like such victories.
I know that in a few years when I do improve little things in my game by one or two percent that I will get better.
I knew it was going to be tough. I came out hitting a lot of winners. I felt like I was playing great. After the second set, I didn't feel like I was there. I felt like I was making too many errors. I managed to get it back (in the third set).
I knew I had to be consistent against her. That's her biggest strength, being consistent. She's not going to overpower me on the court. She's just going to try to make me hit another ball. I thought I did that really well. I took my opportunities, took my chances, and that was important.
I knew I didn't win this match fairly. I don't like such victories,
I knew she would not overpower me. I just had to be a little patient.
I knew she would be very patient and I tried to be extra-patient. I knew she wouldn't overpower me.
I knew she was a strong player and played well in Beijing but I must admit I just wasn't myself on the court today,
I kind of gave it all I had in the tiebreaker and just basically ran out of gas in the third set. Physically, I have to get a lot better and play these three-setters where the points are going to go on and on. Today's match is a great example that it's physical.