May 24, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova will take on Mirjana Lucic of Croatia in her opening encounter of the 2011 French Open. After battling should injuries almost for two years, the Russian powerhouse is back on winning mode and emerged as one of the top contenders to clinch the title this year at Roland Garros.
Once touted as a cruising force in the women’s tennis, current World No. 7 Maria Sharapova could not live up to the expectations of her ever-swelling fan base due to recurring shoulder problems and it took her two years to get back some form that saw her reaching the numer-uno position in WTA. The Russian star will get her Roland Garros campaign underway against Mirjana Lucic of Croatia on Tuesday.
Coming off from a fresh title victory at WTA event in Rome, the Russian must be feeling highly confident. At the same time, Sharapvoa has improved a lot from last season and rebounded nicely into Top 10 of the world. The Russian must be eying to complete her career slam by winning the French Open this year.
After her commendable performances in the recent times, Sharapova has emerged as one of the hot favourites to clinch the title along with top-seed Wozniacki, Aussie Open winner Kim Clijsters and rising star Julia Goerges. Last year, Sharapova reached the third round of the French Open. Well, she has climbed one position in her WTA Rankings last week after subduing Samantha Stosur in the Rome final.
Sharapova’s opponent Mirjana Lucic of Croatia has been struggling in this season, as she had to work really hard to earn a place in French Open draw. This will be the first meeting between the two and Sharapova is crushing favourite.
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