Maria Sharapova Wins 1^st Round Match of China Open 2010 in Beijing

October 03, 2010

Maria is through to the 2nd round of the China Open in Beijing after she defeated Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 6-4 7-6(5) in 2 hours and 6 minutes. Maria had some trouble closing the match out as she lost 9 straight points while leading 6-4 5-4 and double match point at 40-15 but she regrouped to take the second set in a tie-break 7-5.

After the match, Maria said: "Going down in the first round of Tokyo gives you a window to prepare but it also doesn't give you as much match play as you would have hoped. First rounds are always difficult, and I had a tough opponent today.  At the end of the day, I found a way to win and that was the most important thing."

In the 2nd round, Maria will play Elena Vesnina of Russia.  They have played once before at the Australian Open in 2008 and Maria won 6-0 6-3.

Resources : http://www.mariasharapova.com/