| Maria Sharapova Wary of Sabine Lisicki Threat |
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June 30, 2011
Wimbledon favourite Maria Sharapova admits the unheralded Sabine Lisicki will pose a threat to her title hopes.
Sharapova won at the All England Club as a 17-year-old in 2004 and she is now being heavily backed to secure another grand slam title. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka aim to scale the heights in possible final |
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June 29, 2011
Spectators could be set for one of the loudest ladies’ finals in Centre Court history on Saturday, should Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka come through their semi-finals.
Sharapova, who takes on wild card Sabine Lisicki, sent the gruntometers into overdrive during her 2004 victory over the equally vocal Serena Williams, but the Russian’s highest-recorded shriek of 105 decibels could well be exceeded should she and Azarenka, who must get past Petra Kvitova, reach the showpiece. The noisy pair met in Miami in March but tensions, and decibel levels, are likely to be much higher in a grand-slam final. |
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| 2011 Wimbledon Championships: Whither Maria Sharapova? |
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June 29, 2011
Maria Sharapova is a bit of an enigma.
Blessed with power, length and stroke, she has won three tennis majors. Yet why does it feel like she should have accomplished more by now?
The question is not posed to harshly critique Sharapova, it's just that when a player in tennis, or any other sport, is acknowledged to possess superstar talent, the hope is to see that talent come to maximum fruition. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Sabine Lisicki Preview - Wimbledon 2011 |
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June 29, 2011
Maria Sharapova last won the Wimbledon title in 2004. The final is back within reach for the former world number one as she faces Sabine Lisicki in one of Thursday's semifinals.
Maria Sharapova, the three-time Grand Slam champion, hasn't shown any sign of weakness at Wimbledon 2011 and there has been pressure on her from the outset as she was considered a tournament favorite heading into the grass court Grand Slam. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon 2011 Quarter Final Interview |
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| June 29, 2011 |
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| Question |
As quarterfinals go, that was a pretty impressive performance from you. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, well, I played against someone that I lost to a little over a month ago on clay in two sets, so I knew that she was capable of playing really good tennis.
A few years ago I also lost to her at the French Open in the quarterfinal, at the same stage. Yeah, I thought I played really solid and did the right things to win today. |
| Question |
Six service breaks is pretty remarkable. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, well, I think the return was very important today. She hits really flat and her serve is flat as well, so it's important to stay low on a lot of shots. |
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| Maria Sharapova the veteran among women at Wimbledon |
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June 29, 2011
Once a teen sensation, Maria Sharapova is the elder stateswoman at Wimbledon this year.
At 24, the Russian is the oldest of the women's semifinalists at the All England Club, and by far the most experienced. Being the veteran is new for Sharapova, who was just 17 when she won her only Wimbledon title in 2004. |
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| The curious case of Maria Sharapova |
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June 29, 2011
From the outside, Maria Sharapova looks so divine and peaceful. She is worth a million bucks with her perfect grooming, lovely American accent, blond streaks of flowing hair, long legs and slim frame. She epitomizes Hollywood more than even some of the Hollywood stars. Her photos that are circulated in the net and her various appearances on fashion shows, red carpet events make her hot page 3 material for the international paparazzi.
On the tennis court also, her attire is perfect. She is all decked up like a barbie doll with her short skirt, frills and all. The color of her on-court attire varies according to the Slam. For New York, she generally comes in an all black stunning outfit that perfectly contrasts with her glowing skin and blond locks. |
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| Maria Sharapova has the edge |
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June 29, 2011
Mark Petchey told Wimbledon Report that Maria Sharapova's experience makes her favourite for the Women's title at SW19.
The Russian won the tournament in 2004 and remains on course for a second All England Club crown after booking her place in this year's semi-finals. |
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| Steely Maria Sharapova closing in on second Wimbledon title |
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June 29, 2011
(Reuters) - Maria Sharapova towers over Friday's women's semi-finals with the rejuvenated Russian seeking to reclaim the trophy that catapulted her career seven years ago.
Still only 24, the Siberia-born six-footer has earned multi millions since becoming the golden girl of the sport by beating Serena Williams in the 2004 final but the grand slam titles she craves have been harder to come by. |
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| Maria Sharapova's renaissance good for tennis |
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June 29, 2011
Toronto, Canada (Sports Network) - Maria Sharapova's 2011 has been very successful and she has kept the good times going by steamrolling her way into the Wimbledon semifinals.
24-year-old hasn't dropped a single set at the All-England Club and she basically has been tested only once during the tournament - the first set of her second-round match against wild-card entrant Laura Robson, who took the Russian native to a tiebreak. |
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| Maria Sharapova the new Wimbledon favorite? You've got to be kidding |
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June 29, 2011
With the Williams sisters exiting Wimbledon on the same day for the first time ever, Maria Sharapova automatically became the favorite in the minds of most experts.
The mystery is why. They talk about her history, which begs a simple question: do they live in a time warp? |
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| Maria Sharapova, Lisicki set up big-hitting semifinal |
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June 29, 2011
LONDON: Big-hitting duo Maria Sharapova and Sabine Lisicki set up a mouthwatering Wimbledon semifinal Tuesday with the Russian golden girl impressively hammering home her title credentials.
Fifth seed Sharapova, the 2004 champion, and now the overwhelming favorite for the title following the fourth round defeats of Serena and Venus Williams, brushed aside Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova 6-1, 6-1 in her quarterfinal. |
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| Are Maria Sharapova's screams aimed at her opponents? |
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June 29, 2011
Shrieking Russian Maria Sharapova, 24, is a great athlete but would you get a wink of sleep living next door to the tennis star and her boyfriend, U.S. basketball star Sasha Vujacic, 27?
Incidentally, tennis experts say Maria, pictured, never screams during practice sessions.
Surely it isn’t to put off her opponents. |
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| Maria Sharapova storms into 2011 Wimbledon semifinals |
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June 29, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England — Among the privileges that come with winning Wimbledon is lifetime membership in the All England club, which hosts the grass-court classic each summer.
As honorary members, past champions can drop in for tea at the private club year-round. Or, if they’re competing in the prestigious Grand Slam event, they can start practicing on the manicured lawns days before the club’s wrought-iron gates open to their rivals.
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| Maria Sharapova looks like the Sharapova of old as she storms into Wimbledon semifinals |
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June 28, 2011
Sharapova, bidding for a second Wimbledon title to go with the one she won in 2004 at age 17, rolls past Dominika Cibulkova, 6-1, 6-1, and will face unseeded Sabine Lisicki. Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitova also advance.
Reporting from Wimbledon, England — While Sabine Lisicki triumphantly proved that it pays to give the right person a free pass, Petra Kvitova displayed her fondness for grass-court tennis and Victoria Azarenka adapted to a change from inside to outside, one player stood out from the others on women's quarterfinal day at Wimbledon. |
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| Maria Sharapova, Lisicki power into the Wimbledon semifinals |
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June 28, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England — Maria Sharapova looked like a champion under the Centre Court roof at Wimbledon, advancing to the semifinals at the All England Club for the first time since 2006 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Dominika Cibulkova on Tuesday.
Sharapova, the only Wimbledon champion remaining in the women's draw after the Williams sisters were eliminated a day earlier, won eight consecutive games to win the first set and take control of the second. |
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| Sublime Maria Sharapova Breezes into Semis |
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June 28, 2011
Fifth seed and tournament favourite Maria Sharapova powered into the Wimbledon semifinals with an emphatic 6-1, 6-1 win over an outgunned Dominika Cibulkova on Tuesday.
Sharapova will meet Sabine Lisicki, who continued her heart-warming run when she beat Marion Bartoli to become the first German woman to reach the semifinals since 1999. |
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| Golden girl Maria Sharapova is facing a power battle |
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June 28, 2011
Maria Sharapova will today require no introduction when she steps onto Centre Court ahead of her women's singles quarter-final.
After all, everybody is familiar with that movie star glamour, the ear-insulting grunt, the celebrity fiancee and the Russian's fairytale escape from the devastating effects of the Chernobyl disaster to win Wimbledon at the age of just 17. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Dominika Cibulkova Preview - Wimbledon 2011 |
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June 28, 2011
Maria Sharapova looks more dangerous than ever at Wimbledon as Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Caroline Wozniacki all fell on Day 7.
Maria Sharapova, Russia's top player on tour, continued to play with authority at Wimbledon on Monday as she defeated Shuai Peng in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. The former champion has been tipped as a contender since the start of Wimbledon following her excellent run at the French Open and now, more than ever, she certainly appears to have a good chance of making the final. |
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| Maria Sharapova’s Thinking of Future |
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June 28, 2011
MARIA SHARAPOVA is homing in on a second triumph at SW19, seven years after her first.
Only somebody fiercely competitive and stubbornly proud would come back from eight months of inactivity caused by a career-threatening shoulder injury. |
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| Maria Sharapova firmly fixed on final path |
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June 28, 2011
"I don't really care what people think or say," Caroline Wozniacki shrugged here after her Wimbledon exit had again left everyone questioning the validity of her world No 1 ranking, WRITES Ian Chadband.
Naturally, her young face told a very different story. Of course, she cares that she still has to wait to be seen as a great Dane. In stark contrast, though, Maria Sharapova was all smiles and that was even before she learned of Wozniacki's defeat by Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. Russia's 2004 champion now spies a favourable route to another final. Sharapova thought she would be playing Wozniacki in today's quarter-finals but the draw has opened up. |
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| Maria Sharapova made Wimbledon 2011 favourite after Williams sisters exit |
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June 27, 2011
Maria Sharapova was reinstalled as title favourite after surviving a day of big-name casualties to reach her first Wimbledon quarter-final in five years.
Sharapova had come into the tournament as the bookmakers' tip only to lose that status over the weekend to the defending champion Serena Williams. |
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| Can Maria Sharapova restore order? |
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June 27, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England -- Maria Sharapova, still just 24, finds herself the defender of the old order at Wimbledon. The absence of Kim Clijsters, the exits of the Williams sisters in the fourth round Monday and earlier craziness have left her the only Grand Slam champion still in the draw.
The first of her three major titles came here as a 17-year-old in 2004, but a long slump caused by shoulder problems means she has not been to the semifinals since 2006. That is likely to change Tuesday. After an unusually good clay-court season, the Russian is once again playing up to her past credentials and, fiance in tow, looks focused and happy. |
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| No Williams in the quarters? Over to you Maria Sharapova |
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June 27, 2011
(Reuters) - The rare sight of neither Williams sister in the Wimbledon quarter-finals will have the remaining eight women in the draw buzzing with the possibility of reaching the final, none more so than 2004 Champion Maria Sharapova.
Only once since 1998 has the quarter-final lineup not included Serena or Venus, in 2006, and with fifth seed Sharapova the only grand slam champion left the title now seems hers to lose. |
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| Maria Sharapova’s Ruthless Style Helps Her Advance |
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June 27, 2011
Maria Sharapova dominates matches with her big first serve and her fearless return. She excels in the first two shots of each point, putting enormous pressure on her opponent with her unbridled aggression. On Monday she gave Shuai Peng a lesson in power tennis on grass, winning, 6-4, 6-2, to advance to the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Peng competed well in the first set but faltered at 4-4. Sensing Sharapova moving in to take a second serve return early, Peng went for a bigger serve and double-faulted. It was all Sharapova needed. She broke Peng, held serve to win the set and then accelerated past Peng to win the match. |
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| Maria Sharapova rolls at Wimbledon 2011 |
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June 27, 2011
In a parade of fourth-round upsets, world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, two-time defending champion Serena Williams and five-time titlist Venus Williams were all sent packing Monday at the Wimbledon Championships. Pre-tournament favorite Maria Sharapova managed to avoid the upset bug on Day 7 at the All England Club.
Scrappy 24th-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova was blown off the court in the first set before fighting back for a 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 stunner against the former U.S. Open runner-up Wozniacki. |
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| Maria Sharapova Victory Signals New Confidence |
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June 27, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England – Maria Sharapova of Russia returned to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the first time since 2006, using her rejuvenated game to dispatch Shuai Peng of China, 6-4, 6-2, in their fourth-round match that was a testament to Sharapova’s growing confidence.
Sharapova, the No. 5 seed, won nine of the first 13 games in just 61 minutes. She used tenacious recovery strokes that blunted the forceful shots of Peng, who was seeded 20th and the last Chinese player in the draw. |
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| Wimbledon 2011 : Maria Sharapova in no hurry to set unrealistic expectations |
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June 27, 2011
WHEN Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004, it was widely expected to be the first of many Grand Slam titles for the precocious Russian. She was not predicted to have quite the dominance in the women's game that Roger Federer was then enjoying in men's tennis - with the Williams sisters around, that was always going to be too much to ask - but she did appear to have all the ingredients for sustained success.
years on, Sharapova remains one of the best players on tour, and when fully fit can swat aside most opponents with apparently effortless ease. Yet, while she has become a multi-millionaire and is one of the most famous sportswomen in the world, a central theme of her career so far has been underachievement. |
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| Wimbledon 2011, Day 8: Ladies' Singles Fourth Round Preview And Predictions |
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June 27, 2011
All sixteen fourth round Ladies' Singles matches are contested on the second Monday of Wimbledon 2011, with the winners right back in action on Tuesday for the quarterfinals. Here's a look at how the final sixteen will shake out:
No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) vs. No. 24 Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) -- Second on Court No. 2 -- Looking for her first ever appearance in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, Caroline Wozniacki returns to Court No. 2, the site of her beatdown at this stage of Wimbledon 2010. Despite being the much smaller of the two, Dominika Cibulkova is the far more aggressive, and should be able to take the upper hand in most every rally. The same was even truer of Jarmila Gajdosova in the third round, though, and she was only able to take five games off the wall of Wozniacki. Wozniacki lost to Cibulkova in Sydney in her first match of 2011, but beat her later that month at the Australian Open. It could be a real exciting match if Cibulkova comes out hitting her shots, but Wozniacki has a crushing ability to make matches real unexciting real fast. Prediction: Wozniacki in 2. |
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| Love-Struck Maria Shaprapova does not like her Watching Brief |
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June 27, 2011
MARIA SHARAPOVA needed to fall in love before she could really come to terms with taming her on-court nerves.
Now Maria Sharapova can take playing the biggest matches in her stride, because she learnt that watching sport is worse than playing it. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon 2011 Fourth Round Interview |
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| June 27, 2011 |
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| Question |
It was almost a game of two phases. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah. Yeah, it was really tough because I think both of us served quite well to hold in the first eight games. Yeah, I thought it was a high level of tennis.
You know, I was really ready for her to play well today because she has a great game for the grass courts. She stays really low and hits the ball hard and flat and fast. So you really have to be ready for each shot.
You know, just try to take care of what I had to do today.
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| Question |
Were you surprised at the second set, comparatively easy, get out of the heat? |
| Maria Sharapova |
No. I still had many chances in those first few games. She just served well, served a few aces, and I couldn't break her.
Yeah, I thought I returned much better in the second set. That's what got me more breaks. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Maria Sharapova sweeps past Peng Shuai |
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June 27, 2011
Maria Sharapova screamed and sparkled in equal measure here in the Wimbledon sunshine, wasting no time in despatching China’s Peng Shuai in straight sets and booking her place in the quarter finals.
Russia’s former Wimbledon champion, who has been improving with quiet efficiency – no, make that noisy efficiency - throughout the tournament, evidently did not fancy hanging around for too long in the energy-sapping conditions as she took just 81 minutes to defeat the 20th seed 6-4 6-2. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Shuai Peng - 2011 Wimbledon Match Preview |
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June 26, 2011
World No.6 Maria Sharapova takes on Shuai Peng from China for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Championships at Wimbledon, season's second Grand Slam event being played here at the All England lawn tennis Club in London, England.
Winner of three Grand slam titles, Maria Sharapova shot to super stardom right here at Wimbledon seven years ago when she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title as a 17 year old. She also claimed the WTA championships with a win over Serena Williams in the final again and claimed the WTA player of the year award as a result. The years that followed witnessed consistent performance from the Russian who claimed two more majors in New York (2006) and Melbourne (2008) before suffering an injury that changed the course of her career. |
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| Maria Sharapova is a Big Noise Again |
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June 26, 2011
MARIA SHARAPOVA has a lot to make a noise about right now.
And much of it is to do with the fact that the serious business of winning Wimbledon is now well under way.
The decibels were kept down as Maria Sharapova beat Czech Klara Zakopalova, whose father drives a taxi while mum is a barmaid.
La Shazza didn’t really need to get revved up for she came through 6-2, 6-3 in 78 minutes, producing some of the shots that saw her win Wimbledon when she was just 17, seven years ago. |
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| Maria Sharapova Travels With Her Net |
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June 25, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England — The Nets’ failure to make the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season was not all bad. It allowed Maria Sharapova to be reunited with her fiancé, Sasha Vujacic, a New Jersey guard, who traveled with her to the French Open and Wimbledon.
The couple met when Vujacic was playing in Los Angeles with the Lakers, whose N.B.A. title runs consumed his previous two springs. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Why 2011 Wimbledon Will Define Her Career |
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June 25, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova is only 24 years of age. It seems like the Russian beauty has been around forever. That is because 6'2" Sharapova has been winning majors since she was 17 years old, turning professional a decade ago.
The Russian plays right-handed, employing a two-handed back-hand. Much of her power comes from her non-traditional swing volley when approaching the net. She plays with enormous aggression on her shots regardless of the score. Sharapova never gives in to any situation on court with a safe, “not to lose” attitude. She goes for her shots. |
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| Wimbledon 2011 Women's 4th Round - Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams |
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June 25, 2011
Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, and Petra Kvitova are among the favorites into Wimbledon's final 16.
The women's field has been narrowed down at the All England Club as the field of 128 has been cut in half three times and now just 16 players remain. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon 2011 Third Round Interview |
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| June 25, 2011 |
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| Question |
You made the semis here in '05 and '06. Are you surprised that you're the favorite to win the tournament this year? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I haven't really put as much expectations as maybe you guys have on me based on the fact that, like you said, I haven't been past the fourth round for a few years.
I'm happy at this point that I got to where I am last year, and hopefully this year I can go a step further and even more.
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| Question |
How would you sum up the first week? How well do you think you're playing? Do you feel you need to improve to get to this stage next week? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Well, there's no doubt you have to improve with the second week coming. I think that's always the toughest part. That's where you hope you raise your level towards.
The opponents get tougher, the more matches you play, especially at a Grand Slam stage. Raising your level is what it's all about at the Grand Slams, especially the second week. |
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| Maria Sharapova hurries into last 16 at Wimbledon |
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June 25, 2011
LONDON - Former champion Maria Sharapova admits she will have to raise her game as the battle for the women's title hots up at Wimbledon.
Sharapova, seeded fifth, has made serene progress so far at the All England Club and moved into the second week without dropping a set in her first three matches. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Klara Zakopalova: Wimbledon 2011 Third Round Preview |
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June 25, 2011
If one was to assess Maria Sharapova’s achievement in professional Tennis on the scale of her potential, you would come to call her an underachiever. The Russian began her career in a very promising manner but loss of form and injuries have kept her at bay. She made a mark at this year’s French Open and until her exit at the hands of Li Na, it looked like she could go all the way. The hunger is back and she must be craving to make things happen at this year’s Wimbledon. The All England club has been a lucky place for her traditionally and the people love to watch her play. When she faces Klara Zakopalova in Round 3, the crowd is likely to get right behind her.
Sharapova won her first Wimbledon title which coincided to be her maiden grand slam title as well long back in 2004. She has made the semi-finals twice since then but her from has dipped considerably in recent years. Last year she was ousted in the 4th round and that being her best performance in all grand slams throughout the year 2010. She has looked in better touch this year defeating both her opponents in straight sets so far. Laura Robson did obtain a considerable lead in the first set over her but she squandered it away under pressure. |
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| Maria Sharapova turns the tables |
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June 24, 2011
Rare is the athlete who can relate not only to those on the court during game time, but also to the friends and family watching from the stands.
Maria Sharapova is one such player who knows what it's like to be in the heat of battle and to be in the cheering section. That's because she's engaged to basketball star Sasha Vujacic, who was traded this season from the Los Angeles Lakers to the New Jersey Nets. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon 2011 Second Round Interview |
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| June 24, 2011 |
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| Question |
How do you feel you played? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Uhm, I felt like I started off really slow and, uhm, she started off really well. Quite the opposite of me, I think she was much more aggressive than I was in the beginning.
Uhm, you know, she hit the ball deep. I think I was playing too much defense. And she was serving really well. So it didn't feel like I had too many looks on second serve.
But then, yeah, I just kind of got my rhythm a little bit and started playing better and, yeah.
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| Question |
What were your overall impressions of her performance? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I thought she played really well. Like I said, she started off, you know, really good, hitting the ball deep, on the line many times. I found myself, you know, on the defense just retrieving, yeah. |
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| Even without crowd support, Maria Sharapova advances |
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June 24, 2011
Unusually for Maria Sharapova, the part-time Russian model and three-time Grand Slam champion was not the player receiving the unconditional adulation from the fans at Wimbledon on Friday.
That distinction instead went to her British opponent, 17-year-old left-hander Laura Robson.
The win, though, went to Sharapova.
"There will be many tournaments and many losses and many wins. I think it will just be important to learn from the situations," Sharapova said of Robson after beating the teenager 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the second round on Court 1. "And, yeah, obviously it's great and it's important to play in front of thousands of people with the support of the British crowd." |
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| Maria Sharapova Defeats Laura Robson at Wimbledon 2011 |
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June 24, 2011
Maria defeated Laura Robson of Great Britain 7-6 6-2 to advance to the third round of Wimbledon.
Robson acquitted herself well in the first set as she had a 4-1 lead, Maria worked her way back into the set as she levelled for 4-4. The next four games were holds of serve and a tie-break would decide the first set. Robson takes a mini break to lead 4-2 and then Maria reels of 5 straight points to take the tie-break 7-5 when Robson hits the ball into the net. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Laura Robson - 2011 Wimbledon Match Preview |
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June 23, 2011
Former World No.1 Maria Sharapova takes on Britain's Laura Robson for a place in the third round of the 2011 Championships at Wimbledon, season's second Grand Slam event being played here at the All England lawn tennis Club in London, England.
Three time slam champion Maria Sharapova shot to super stardom right here at Wimbledon seven years ago when she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title as a 17 year old. The years that followed witnessed consistent performance from the Russian who claimed two more majors in New York (2006) and Melbourne (2008) before suffering an injury that changed the course of her career. After a nine month layoff, Sharapova returned only to deal with a series of disappointing losses that eventually ended with a big triumph in Rome this year. Sharapova also made it to the semifinals of Roland Garros, her best Grand Slam performance since winning the 2008 Australian Open. In the first round, Sharapova looked completely at ease in dispatching the challenge of countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze 6-2, 6-1 to secure her second round berth. |
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| Maria Sharapova offends the British with her loudness: Wimbledon rallies against tennis grunting |
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June 23, 2011
The distracting grunting of female players is ruining tennis. Or so said Wimbledon official Ian Ritchie in an interview Wednesday with London's Telegraph.
Ritchie says his "post bag" (that's how they talk over there) is filled to the brim with spectator complaints about female players' shrieks and wails, and he encourages other players who are also bothered by the noise to complain to the umpire and hopefully eradicate the woeful practice |
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| Maria Sharapova ‘proud of Russian roots’ |
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June 22, 2011
Despite spending most of her life living in the US and attaining the status of an international tennis star, Maria Sharapova has not forgotten her Russian roots, she has revealed in an interview.
The 24-year-old, who is among the players who will be entertaining tennis fans with Wimbledon tickets over the coming weeks, moved to America when she was young to pursue her career in the sport. |
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| New Sony Ericsson Xperia Active - Maria Sharapova's new phone |
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June 22, 2011
We just learned of the Sony Ericsson Xperia active this morning, and who better to give us our first look at the device designed for the athletic and active than tennis superstar Maria Sharapova. She even boldly drops the handset into a glass of water, proving the phone is water resistant, has a touchscreen that functions when wet, and that Maria Sharapova is simply lovely. Do you need a better reason to watch?
See why the new Sony Ericsson Xperia active is the perfect phone for Maria Sharapova. The new Xperia active phone is rugged, dust-proof and water resistant. It's the perfect phone for both on and off the court. |
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| Maria Sharapova's image takes a back seat |
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June 22, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England -- You can't often say that Maria Sharapova isn't getting enough attention. Winning Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004 landed her on the cover of Sports Illustrated, while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had to win multiple majors and play one of the greatest matches of all time before receiving the same real estate.
But the former champ has been largely overshadowed these past few days by the return of the Williams sisters, particularly Serena, who is in the same half of the draw. The sight of Serena has sobbing with happiness after winning her first-round match garnered much of the attention so far, signifying the end of a disastrous year that involved two surgeries for cuts on her feet, blood clots in her lung that required an emergency trip to the hospital and more surgery to treat related bleeding under the skin of her abdomen. |
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| Maria Sharapova shows her title credentials with thumping win over Chakvetadze |
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June 21, 2011
Maria Sharapova was handed a late Centre Court call and showed why she could be coming back on Saturday week to celebrate a second Wimbledon title.
A crushing 6-2 6-1 over former top-five player Anna Chakvetadze in an all-Russian contest was proof enough that the champion of 2004, seeded number five this year, is in suitable form to be a serious contender. |
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| Maria Sharapova shows form of old in first-round win at Wimbledon |
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June 21, 2011
It may not be possible to win Wimbledon in the first week but it is certainly possible to make a big statement of intent. A rejuvenated Maria Sharapova, the champion here in 2004, did just that when she began her title challenge with a thumping 6-2, 6-1 win over her fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze.
It was a comprehensive victory for the No5 seed and more evidence, if it were needed, that a second title here could be hers come Saturday week. The wind that had played havoc earlier in the day had died down a little by the time Sharapova stepped on to court but her serve stood up well to the demands and on this form she is going to take some stopping. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon 2011 First Round Interview |
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| June 21, 2011 |
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| Question |
How did it feel to be back on the grass? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it was great to be back on Centre Court, considering that I didn't play a warmup tournament. I felt like I had to be ready from the first point. I played against an opponent that's been in the top 10 before. Hasn't had the best results this year. But you don't quite know what to expect. I'm sure, you know, she'd come out in the match and have nothing to lose. I thought she played a really good match, and I really had to step it up. I thought I did a good job of that.
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| Question |
It was all Russian once again. In the past you've talked about Russian tennis. You've said there's not too many alternatives. Also talk about some of the other elements, the toughness of the culture, the roles of Kournikova, Yeltsin, the Olympics, if you would. |
| Maria Sharapova |
GYeah, it's a really big country, full of incredible culture, and many great athletes have come from the country, not just from the sport of tennis. We're very fortunate because I think we were given the drive from our parents. That really encouraged us and sacrificed a lot in our careers to get us to a point where we want to be in our certain careers. I think we have to thank them for that. Because when you're at a young age, everything is in their hands from the drives to the practices to the encouragement on bad days. Yeah, in the beginning it was a lot about the Olympic sports and hockey, in the beginning of my life, and gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics. Now tennis is one of the biggest sports there. |
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| Maria Sharapova powers into Wimbledon 2011 Second Round |
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June 21, 2011
LONDON: Former champion Maria Sharapova powered into the second round at Wimbledon with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze on Tuesday.
Sharapova, who won the All England Club title in 2004, will play either British wildcard Laura Robson or Germany's Angelique Kerber in the last 64. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Anna Chakvetadze - Wimbledon 2011 Match Preview |
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June 21, 2011
Russian superstar Maria Sharapova takes on countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze for a place in the second round of the 2011 Championships at Wimbledon, season's second Grand Slam event being played here at the All England lawn tennis Club in London, England.
Maria Sharapova shot to super stardom right here at Wimbledon seven years ago when she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title as a 17 year old. The years that followed witnessed consistent performance from the Russian who claimed two more majors in New York (2006) and Melbourne (2008) before suffering an injury that changed the course of her career. After a nine month layoff, Sharapova returned only to deal with a series of disappointing losses that eventually ended with a big triumph in Rome this year. Sharapova also made it to the semifinals of Roland Garros, her best Grand Slam performance since winning the 2008 Australian Open. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Maria Sharapova will be cheered on by NBA star fiance Sasha Vujacic |
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June 20, 2011
Sorry, fellas, Maria Sharapova is off the market - and she has a sparkling rock the size of an ice cube to prove it.
The Russian pin-up and 2004 Wimbledon champion is engaged to NBA basketball star Sasha Vujacic, and the New Jersey Nets shooter will be in the players' box at SW19 to support her. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Maria Sharapova favourite |
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June 20, 2011
Wimbledon, the Williams and Caroline Wozniacki: The trio of Ws coming together, could generate more than enough hype and hoopla, to keep sports writers busy for the next 14 days.
Maria Sharapova is making headlines and this is not for her fashion sense, boyfriends or her clothing line, but for her tennis. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Ladies' Singles Preview -- Ten Women To Watch |
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June 20, 2011
Li Na's victory at the 2011 French Open showed just how wide open women's tennis is today, and that any number of women are capable of winning a grand slam title. Though things are slightly less open with the return of the Williams sisters and their combined total of nine career Wimbledon singles titles, there's still a lot of possibilites. Here's look at ten of the biggest contenders for the Wimbledon 2011 Ladies' Singles crown (in order of their positions in the draw)
Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) [1] -- Let me be clear about this: Caroline Wozniacki is not going to win Wimbledon. I don't see any way for her to make it past the quarterfinals, and furthermore it's extremely likely that she'll lose in the third round for the second consecutive slam. The only reason she's in this article at all is because she holds the WTA No. 1 ranking. She's a more impressive slamless No. 1 than either Dinara Safina or Jelena Jankovic was, for sure, and she could win a slam some day, but this won't be it. Grass exposes her lack of offense, and she's got a monster of a draw. After a pretty easy first two rounds against Arantxa Parra Santonja and either Virginie Razzano or Sania Mirza, Wozniacki runs into the incredible power of Aussie Jarmila Gajdosova, who gave Venus Williams all she could handle in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year. If she survives that match, she likely gets hard hitting Julia Goerges, who already has beaten Wozniacki twice this year. And if she survives that somehow, she will almost certainly run into Maria Sharapova. Get ready for the hard court season, Caro. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Wimbledon Pre-Tournament Interview |
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| June 19, 2011 |
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| Question |
Can you tell us what you've been doing between Paris and here. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Just training a lot on grass. I headed over to London a couple of days after I finished and been here since, yeah, training.
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| Question |
How did you feel back on the grass? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Great. This is one of the best, you know, parts of the year for me. It's one of the toughest transitions from clay to grass, but for me it's a lot of fun. The bounce is low; it's quick. |
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| Maria Sharapova Seeking a Career Best Result at Wimbledon 2011 |
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June 19, 2011
Maria Sharapova may already be a Wimbledon champion; however the Russian star believes that winning a second SW19 crown would be the greatest achievement of her career.
The first apparent reason for Sharapova’s desire is her obvious competitive streak.
It is seven years ago since she dazzled the spectators on Centre Court as a 17 year-old wonderkid, on the way to triumphing in the final. |
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| Maria Sharapova loves the glamour |
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June 19, 2011
No wonder she is the world’s highest-earning sportswoman. Give Maria Sharapova a spare half-an-hour away from tennis and she will probably spend it studying the latest sales figures for the clothing ranges she helps to design.
“I love that stuff – I really, really do,” Sharapova says, laughing out loud at her obsession with the subject. “I actually just got my selling report for this spring. When things have been on the shelves for a few months you start seeing the sell-through and the value of the product and percentages and stuff”. |
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| Maria Sharapova hoping to savour her biggest triumph |
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June 18, 2011
For Maria Sharapova, winning this year's title at Wimbledon would mean more to her than the three Grand Slam titles she has already collected.
Speaking on the eve of her ninth campaign at the All England Club, the Russian says she would appreciate the feat of winning a major that much more, given her well-documented struggles with a chronic shoulder injury. "If I do achieve that, if it's here, if it's somewhere else, I think it would be my biggest achievement in my career," she says. |
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| Wimbledon preview: Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and a nice girl to be named later |
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June 17, 2011
I’m coming into this Wimbledon feeling pretty good. Maybe it’s because we’re finally getting some sunny weather here in Portland. Maybe it’s because I just got a new book deal (not about tennis, alas, though my subject was a tennis enthusiast). Maybe it’s because Bjorn Borg just picked Roger Federer to win the tournament.
Whatever the reason, I fear my jaunty spirits won’t last. Here’s why:
Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova is going to win the tournament. |
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| Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki target Wimbledon success |
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June 17, 2011
When Caroline Wozniacki is at home in Denmark, the attention from the paparazzi is so intense that she has occasionally resorted to wearing a disguise. In the rest of the world, the world No1 can walk around relatively unnoticed.
The 20-year-old Dane arrives at Wimbledon still chasing her first grand slam title and deals with questions as to why she has yet to break her duck on an almost daily basis. She deals well with the criticism but knows that in the end, only results truly matter. "All the girls would like to be in my position and be ranked No1 in the world," she said on Saturday. "I've had a good year and won five tournaments so far this year. I enjoy this position." |
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| Maria Sharapova screams for Wimbledon |
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June 17, 2011
London: The recently-engaged Maria Sharapova will always have a place in her heart for Wimbledon, where she aims to win the title again.
Asked whether she would rather win the French Open which eluded her again this year to complete a career set of grand slam titles or triumph on the grass for a second time, the Russian did not hesitate one bit. "I'd win Wimbledon again, absolutely," she said. |
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| Tennis Stars Serve Up Fashion Extravaganza |
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June 17, 2011
The worlds of tennis, fashion and celebrity have come together to celebrate the start of this year's Wimbledon Championships.
Tennis A-listers including Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova were joined by the likes of Eliza Doolittle, Naomie Harris, Kevin Spacey, Sir Alan Sugar and Emily Blunt for the WTA annual event in London. |
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| Wimbledon 2011 party: Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and more pictured looking ace |
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June 17, 2011
When Wimbledon starts next week, the tennis stars will be limited to the All England Club's traditional white dress code.
But last night just about every other colour was to be seen as top women players turned out for a pre-tournament WTA black-tie do. |
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| Pre-Wimbledon party: tennis stars rub shoulders with celebrities and designers |
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June 17, 2011
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova join stars including Eliza Doolittle and Tinie Tempah at the pre-Wimbledon party.
Wimbledon starts on Monday and the prefix to one of the top draws of the summer sports circuit is fast becoming a highlight itself: the annual pre-party at Kensington Roof Gardens. |
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| Wimbledon 2011 Draw |
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June 17, 2011
The draw for the third Grand Slam of the year at Wimbledon has been released and Maria is seeded No.5 and will play Anna Chakvetadze of Russia in the first round on Tuesday.
Maria has played 50th ranked Chakvetadze six times before and leads the series 6-0 - the last meeting was in 2007 and they have never played on grass. |
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| Maria Sharapova wears Alexander McQueen to pre-Wimbledon party |
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June 17, 2011
Maria Sharapova arrived at The Roof Gardens pre-Wimbledon party last night carrying an iconic black Alexander McQueen elongated Knuckle Duster box clutch. The 2004 Wimbledon champion paired her classic yet edgy Alexander McQueen handbag with a body conscious red dress that featured shoulder slits and bold gold jewelry which took Sharapova from the court to the runway and ready to celebrate for the night.
With the help of a new coach last year and an upward movement in her rankings, Maria Sharapova will be a force at Wimbledon this year. In addition to hitting an “ace serve down the T” with her Alexander McQueen clutch, Sharapova is sure to be hitting several aces on the court during Wimbledon this year as she competes to win and reclaim her title from 2004. |
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| Wimbledon 2011: Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams favors to be Crowned |
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June 17, 2011
The Russian tennis star and Serena Williams of United States are looking hot favorites to lift the title at Wimbledon 2011.
The women’s singles tournament at Wimbledon 2011 to be more wide open, as comparing to the past seasons. The 2004 Wimbledon champion Sharapova is the favorite to lift the Wimbledon, where she has been appeared in nine Grand Slam titles, since come back from shoulder injury in 2009. She had made only one semi final appearance in those nine events at major. The world No. 6 ranked Sharapova has not even made into fourth round of the Grand Slam since 2006. |
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| Maria Sharapova looks ace at tennis bash |
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June 17, 2011
TENNIS babes MARIA SHARAPOVA, ANA IVANOVIC and SERENA WILLIAMS prepared for Wimbledon by partying it up at a pre-tournament bash last night.
They glammed up before playing in what's set to be sodden conditions at the Championships next week.
Heavy showers are forcecast for the first week of the SW19 games. And the trio got a taste of things to come — when they had to shelter from rain at the party, too. |
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| Samantha Stosur facing Maria Sharapova roadblock at Wimbledon |
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June 17, 2011
SAMANTHA Stosur may have to do something she has never done before if she is to make it to the second week at Wimbledon - beat her nemesis and former champion, Maria Sharapova.
Australia's leading players have all been handed mountains to climb in their bid to make inroads at Wimbledon this year. And Stosur has drawn a potential fourth-round showdown against Sharapova at the southwest London venue. |
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| Pre-Wimbledon Party |
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June 16, 2011
At tonight's annual WTA pre-Wimbledon party, Maria hit the red carpet wearing renowned British fashion house, Alexander McQueen.
Maria paired the red dress with a black satin clutch by Alexander McQueen, gold collar, cuff and footwear by British accessories designer, Lara Bohinc. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Serena Williams? - Wimbledon 2011 Preview |
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June 16, 2011
One of our staff writers offers his take on Wimbledon 2011 and the women's favorites. Instead of Sharapova vs Williams, he sees Wimbledon as being between Na Li and Petra Kvitova.
The women's singles event at Wimbledon 2011 promises to be more wide open than it has been in past years. A major reason for this is that there is not one past champion who is expected to be in Friday's draw that you can have a ton of confidence in at this point. |
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| Maria Sharapova: A double life of sales and serves |
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June 16, 2011
Despite her extensive fashion interests, Russian glamour girl tells Paul Newman she wants nothing more than another SW19 title
No wonder she is the world's highest-earning sportswoman. Give Maria Sharapova a spare half an hour away from tennis and she will probably spend it studying the latest sales figures for the clothing ranges she helps to design.
"I love that stuff – I really, really do," Sharapova says, laughing out loud at her obsession with the subject. "I actually just got my selling report for this spring. When things have been on the shelves for a few months you start seeing the sell-through and the value of the product and percentages and stuff. Then you look at the shapes of what worked for the spring and summer, the consumer reports, and you work with that and you build what people look for – what colours they would prefer more in the spring." |
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| Maria Sharapova donates bicycles to Belarus Orphanage |
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June 15, 2011
The world recently commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion on April 26. One of the most well-recognized and admired tennis stars in the world, Maria Sharapova, teamed up with the Children of Chernobyl Foundation, San Diego, to offer support to youth now living with the long-term health and environmental consequences of one of the worst environmental disasters in history.
On April 27th a team of representatives from the Children of Chernobyl Foundation and their Belarusian liaisons gifted the Rudensk Orphanage with 75 brand new bicycles donated personally by Maria Sharapova. In addition, helmets, medical supplies, and clothing were donated by the Children of Chernobyl charity. Rudensk is located in a Chernobyl resettlement area near Minsk, Belarus, and is approximately 200 miles north of the Chernobyl exclusion zone that has been deemed uninhabitable. |
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| Maria Sharapova finds form in time to renew Wimbledon love affair |
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June 15, 2011
The recently-engaged Russian will always have a place in her heart for Wimbledon, where she aims to win the title again
Maria Sharapova does not hesitate. "I'd win Wimbledon again, absolutely," she says. The question, whether she would rather win the French Open – which eluded her again this year – to complete a career set of grand slam titles or triumph on the grass for a second time, might have taken a while for some players but not for the Russian. Her love affair with tennis began when she beat Serena Williams to win Wimbledon as a 17-year-old in 2004 and even now, when she speaks about what it means to her, it is almost as if the place is in her pores. |
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| 2011 Bank of the West Classic Hosts World’s Top Tennis Players |
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June 15, 2011
Stanford, California (www.bankofthewestclassic.com) – The official player field for this year’s Bank of the West Classic was announced Tuesday, confirming the tournament’s tradition of bringing world-class tennis to the Bay Area.
With four top-10 players committed, the 2011 acceptance list proves to be one of the most impressive yet and includes 11 overall players ranked within the top 30 in the world. Highlighting the 41st edition of the Bank of the West Classic will be 13-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams, three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, defending champion Victoria Azarenka, 2011 French Open semi-finalist, Marion Bartoli, World No. 10 Samantha Stosur, and former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic. |
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| Maria Sharapova favorite on Grass Court |
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June 14, 2011
The world No. 6 ranked Maria Sharapova is one of the hot favorite to clinch the Wimbledon title this year in London.
The Russian star Sharapova has lifted the Wimbledon title in 2004, when she was 17-year-old. It was her first Grand Slam title in her career. She has won the three Grand Slam titles in US Open 2006 and Australian Open in 2008 along with Wimbledon. Sharapova has never lifted the French Open title, where she has lost the semi finals at the Roland Garros against Na Li of Chine in straight sets. |
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| InStyle Magazine Feature |
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June 13, 2011
Maria is featured in the July edition of InStyle Magazine and the feature is about '5 ways to wear a white T'.
The feature highlights the outfit that Maria wore at the Evian 'Baby on the Inside' promotion last year in New York and says "With a Blazer - A classic combo to rival pearls and a LBD". |
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| Maria Sharapova shows off her washboard abs in tiny sports bra |
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June 10, 2011
She’s a former world No. 1 in her sport but Maria Sharapova proved in her new Nike campaign that she’s not bad at modelling either.
The Russian tennis player showed off her rock hard abs and bulging biceps while she was being photographed by Annie Leibovitz. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Schedule - Wimbledon 2011 Next Event |
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June 10, 2011
Sharapova's itinerary is subject to change however at this point her next scheduled event is Wimbledon.
Maria Sharapova, the world number six, just missed completing a career Grand Slam at the 2011 French Open as the Russian fell in the semifinals at Roland Garros. |
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| Maria Sharapova is featured in Nike's 'Make Yourself Girl Power' campaign |
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June 09, 2011
Maria is featured in Nike's 'Make Yourself Girl Power' campaign. The campaign launched last year and focuses on women's training and all the extra effort the athletes have to do to be the best in their respective sports.
Maria is featured in the campaign alongside Roland Garros champion Li Na, track-and-field stars Allyson Felix and Perri Shakes-Drayton, soccer's Hope Solo, dancer Sofia Boutella, and surfer Laura Enever. |
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| Hardcourt 2011 Schedule |
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June 08, 2011
Maria will play three tournaments in preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open.
Maria will start her campaign at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford which begins on 25th July. Maria has played Stanford twice and her best result was reaching the final last year.
The next event for Maria will be the Rogers Cup in Toronto beginning on 8th August. This will be Maria's 4th appearance at this tournament and Maria's best result was reaching the final in 2009. |
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| Will Maria Sharapova clinch another Major Title? |
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June 08, 2011
The world No. 6 ranked Maria Sharapova is one the familiar player on the women’s tour for many years.
Sharapova has won just three Grand Slam titles in her career so far, where she struggled a lot with shoulder and wrist injury last two years. Recently, Russian star has lost match against Na Li of China in the semi final of the French Open. In her career, Sharapova has held as world No. 1 in WTA Ranking on four different occasions for 17 weeks. |
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| Rankings Update |
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June 06, 2011
The new rankings have been released today, and Maria has moved up two spots to No.6.
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| Maria Sharapova Swerves AEGON Classic in Birmingham |
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June 04, 2011
French Open semi-finalist Maria Sharapova is to miss the AEGON Classic in Birmingham next week due to illness.
The Russian star exceeded all expectations at Roland Garros by reaching the last four, after a largely disappointing record on clay in her career.
It seems however as if Sharapova’s recent exploits have taken their toll and the former Wimbledon winner will now take a week’s rest ahead of the action at SW19. |
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| The Primal Grunt: Try It Yourself! |
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June 03, 2011
I’m a selective grunter. That’s right, people like me exist, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. When I play tennis, I’m generally quiet, focused, and determined. But on those special points, in those moments where I just need that extra burst of energy to topple my opponent … I let out a primal, guttural, groan.
I channel my inner lion as I hit the sweet spot in my racket. I let out the wrath boiling inside me as I smash home an overhead winner. Thinking about making a net approach? “AGGGGH!” Think again! Grunt assault! |
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| Maria Sharapova to skip Birmingham |
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June 03, 2011
French Open semi-finalists Maria Sharapova and Marion Bartoli have withdrawn from the AEGON Classic in Birmingham next week.
Sharapova has used the tournament as her sole warm-up for Wimbledon in the past, winning twice and reaching the final on two further occasions.
However, the Russian - who lost to Li Na in Paris on Thursday - has cited illness as the reason for pulling out.
"The Birmingham tournament is one of my favourite events of the year and has great history for me," she said. "I am really sorry that I will miss all my amazing fans this year, but I will be back next year for sure." |
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| Annie Leibovitz's Nike Campaign Strategy Involves Maria Sharapova's Bare Midriff |
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June 03, 2011
Photographer Annie Leibovitz has teamed up with Nike for its newest advertisements as part of the "Make Yourself" campaign.
In her first time collaborating with the brand, Leibovitz photographed the Make Yourself team: |
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| Maria Sharapova takes positives |
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June 03, 2011
Maria Sharapova's exit from the French Open has been met with a bittersweet reaction from the Russian.
Sharapova's dreams of sealing a career Grand Slam were ended - for now - when she lost to China's Li Na in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
The three-time major winner has never been beyond the last four in Paris, with the seventh seed going down 6-4 7-5 to Li. |
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| No Maria Sharapova? No Surprise |
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June 02, 2011
And the two finalists of this year’s wide-open, unpredictable, wacky, impossibly strange French Open women’s tournament are … not so surprising at all.
Tennis tends to look much neater in hindsight, but maybe we should have given more weight to this year’s finalists, Li Na and Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone won this title in 2010. Li reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year. They’ll play Saturday in a final that’s as promising, in terms of quality, as it is lacking in name recognition. |
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| Maria Sharapova turns focus on Wilmbledon |
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June 02, 2011
Maria Sharapova said she is not too disappointed by her loss to Li Na in the French Open semifinals and will now turn her focus fully on Wimbledon.
It was at the grass courts of southwest London where the Russian exploded onto the international scene when she swept aside Serena Williams in straight sets to win her first Grand Slam title in 2004 as a precocious 17-year-old.
And with her comeback from two years blighted by injury well and truly underway it is to Wimbledon once again that she looks as she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam title. |
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| Li Na ends Maria Sharapova to reach Roland Garros 2011 final |
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June 02, 2011
Maria's run at Roland Garros is over as she lost in the semis to No.6 seed Na Li of China. Maria lost 5-7 4-6 in 1 hour and 48 minutes.
After the match, Maria said: “She played a very good match. She certainly played a lot better than I did and a lot more solid, and she played the crucial points better. At times I didn't serve well, and was rushing more than maybe I had to, and considering the conditions maybe I was just trying to go for too big a second serve especially.” |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs Na Li Match Preview |
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June 02, 2011
After emulating her best performance on the red clay of Roland Garros, Maria Sharapova is ready to go a few steps further and standing in her way at the moment is the Chinese wonder woman Na Li. Who will have an edge in this scintillating semifinal? Read here.
World No.7 Maria Sharapova takes on World No.6 Na Li for a place in the final of the 2011 French Open, season's second Grand Slam being played here at Roland Garros in Paris, France. |
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| Maria Sharapova on her Quarter Final annihilation of Andrea Petkovic |
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| June 01, 2011 |
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Maria Sharapova beat Andrea Petkovic in straight sets 6-0, 6-3 to claim a semi-final berth at Roland Garros along with the title of favourite in what is left of a severely depleted women's draw. The match was not as one dimensional as the scoreboard suggests, but Sharapova was by far the better player on the day. She will next take on Chinese star Na Li in the semi-final as she looks to win her first ever French Open crown.
In her post match media interaction, Sharapova spoke about her quarter-final match and how things unfolded from her side of the court.
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| Question |
You had a tough first game there, and then you kind of rolled. You know, you have had a problem sort of revving your engines here in matches, sort of getting behind, but clearly that wasn't the case here before. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, there were a few games in the beginning that went to deuce and ad in and ad out. Even though the first set was 6-0, we played it for quite a bit of time because of those long games.
You know, I just did really well in those, you know, those important points in the first set. I think that was the difference in the beginning. And then, yeah, there was a little bit of an up and down in the second, but... |
| Question |
This is your first time at this stage of a major since Australia '08. Can you just talk about that journey and I what it feels like to be back here? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it's really exciting to be back in the semis here, you know, in general. I put a lot of work in, you know, to be in this stage of the Grand Slams. You know, I'm really happy that it's here. I'm going to have a chance to go further. |
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| Maria Sharapova sizzles in Paris |
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June 01, 2011
Maria is through to the semis at Roland Garros in Paris after she put up a sizzling display against No.15 seed Andrea Petkovic of Germany. Maria won 6-0 6-3 in 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Maria now has 10 straight match wins dating back to Rome and this is Maria's second appearance in the semis here - last time was 2007.
It took Maria only 32 minutes to wrap the first set 6-0. Maria broke Petkovic in the first game and always looked in control as everything in her game was working. |
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| Maria Sharapova back in Grand Slam semis at French Open, only major she hasn’t won |
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June 01, 2011
PARIS — Everything came so quickly for Maria Sharapova at the start of her tennis career. Wimbledon champion at age 17. Ranked No. 1 at 18. Second major title at 19, third at 20.
Surgery on her right shoulder in October 2008 put a halt to all of that. Getting her game back in order required patience. And with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over 15th-seeded Andrea Petkovic of Germany on Wednesday, Sharapova reached the French Open semifinals, the first time she’s made it that far at any Grand Slam tournament in more than three years.
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| French Open: Maria Sharapova shows there's life after Williams sisters |
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June 01, 2011
The women's game has come in for a lot of criticism over the past 10 days, some of it valid, much of it too simplistic. Already weakened by the absence of Serena and Venus Williams through injury, early defeats for the top three seeds made the women's event here an easy target for those who feel it is a poor cousin of the men's game.
As it usually does, though, the cream has risen to the top. The defending champion, Francesca Schiavone, and the home hope, Marion Bartoli, had already booked their places in the last four and on Wednesday they were joined by a rampant Russian in Maria Sharapova and a joyful Li Na of China. Sharapova crushed the German Andrea Petkovic 6-0, 6-3 while Li upset the No4 seed and pre-tournament favourite, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, 7-5, 6-2. |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs Andrea Petkovic Match Preview |
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June 01, 2011
In a blockbuster quarterfinal duel of the 2011 French Open, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia will take on surging WTA star Andrea Petkovic. Well, the fifteenth ranked Petkovic is playing in her second consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, while Maria Sharapova will be playing in the quarterfinals of a Major, first time in two years. There is a lot to play for these two highly talented contenders and we can expect an enthralling contest.
Bidding not only for her maiden Roland Garros title but for a career-slam also, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova has been looking in fine form to clinch this year’s Roland Garros title. Well, the seventh seed Maria Sharapova did struggle in her last match, but showed that typical intent and fighting qualities, which took her to the pinnacle of women’s tennis – at one stage of her career. After languishing on the edge with some career threatening injuries, the Russian powerhouse of tennis is back in the business and now three victories away from winning the 2011 French Open. But, now she will take on surging WTA star Andrea Petkovic, who has been knocking on the door to have her share of glory and has it all to spoil her plans. She has the potential and has proved it many times by beating some of the best players on tour. Well, Petkovic earlier garnered all the attention by making it to the quarterfinal in the Aussie Open. Thus, this is a second consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance for Petkovic. |
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| Can Maria Sharapova lift her first French Open 2011 Title? |
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June 01, 2011
Maria Sharapova, the world No.7 Russian tennis player after her unbelievable performance this year since the last three months is one of the Favourite players in Paris to clinch the on-going French Open 2011 tournament, which is being held at Roland Garros, Paris.
The Russian former world No.1 winning three grand slam title in her career with 2004-Wimbledon, 2008-Australian Open and 2006-U.S Open is still in run to clinch her first French Open title in her career.
Sharapova after her exceptional performance in 2011 Internazionali BNL d’Italia clay tournament defeating Samantha Stosur in finals to win her first title of the season and her biggest victory on clay-court has continued her form in the French Open 2011. |
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| Women’s Quarterfinal Predictions: Sharapova and Azarenka to Prevail! |
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June 01, 2011
Both Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Li Na of China are in search of their first Grand Slam titles. The player that wins will make her first career semifinal appearance at Roland Garros.
In a French Open that saw the top three seeds fall in the first week, Azarenka, the top-seeded woman left in the draw, has been as stable as a rock. She has yet to drop a set and has played high-quality tennis overall. Azarenka’s powerful backhand and aggressive play overpowered her first four opponents, but the key to her success has been her improved serving. Although serving is still not the strongest part of her game, Azarenka has been landing serves with more authority. Durability is also a concern for Azarenka, as she has been forced to retire early from three different tournaments in 2011, due to a medley of leg, shoulder, and elbow injuries. |
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| Maria Sharapova keen to rise to challenge of completing grand slam set |
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June 01, 2011
PARIS: The French Open has proved elusive for Russian Maria Sharapova. The 24-year-old won Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008 but has never made it past the semi-finals in Paris.
The seventh seed - brimming with confidence from her victory in Rome before the French Open - said she had been working hard to prepare herself for the clay grand slam.
“It's one that I've always said would be the most challenging for me to win,” said Sharapova after a 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 defeat of Polish 12th seed Agnieszka Radwanska. “A lot of it is preparation and just going out there and believing in what you have done before and the way you prepared. Physically, and mentally, knowing that you have to be more patient here than maybe at other points in other tournaments.” |
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| Maria Sharapova too tough in fourth round of the French Open |
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June 01, 2011
Maria Sharapova kept herself in contention for the French Open crown by scratching out a fourth-round victory against Polish No.12 seed Agnieszka Radwanska.
The seventh seed recovered from 4-1 down in the first set and fought off five set points in the second to win 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.
In the quarter-finals, she will play Germany's Andrea Petkovic, who survived a tough test to beat another Russian, Maria Kirilienko, 6-2 2-6 6-4. |
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| French Open: Who Will Advance on Day 11, Maria Sharapova or Andrea Petkovic? |
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May 31, 2011
Perhaps one of the most intriguing matches of Day 11 at the 2011 French Open is between Russian Maria Sharapova, seeded No. 7 and the number 15 seed, German Andrea Petkovic.
Maria Sharapova has won slams at every venue except the French Open in Paris. She came into the tournament with some degree of positive speculation about her chances of winning at Stade Roland Garros because just prior to the start of the French Open, the Russian captured the title in Rome on clay. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Is Sharapova the Hottest Female Athlete on and off the Court? |
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May 31, 2011
Maria Sharapova Is By Far Most Successful Female Athlete in World
It is rare to see any athlete combine such marketing appeal with so much talent. Tiger Woods had it until he cheated it all away.
Anna Kournikova had the beauty and marketability. Only, she could never establish herself as the powerhouse on the court that she was in modeling sessions. |
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| Maria Sharapova: What Will a French Open Victory Mean for Sharapova's Career? |
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May 31, 2011
Maria Sharapova Continues Quest For Career Grand Slam
A victory over Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska advanced Maria Sharapova to the quarter finals of the 2011 French Open, the tournament where she's been borderline infamous for never coming close to taking home the championship.
But with the top three seeds (Kim Clijters, Caroline Wozniacki, and Vera Zvonareva) each already eliminated and both Williams sisters not in the field, Sharapova has as good a chance as ever to claim victory in Paris. |
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| French Open 2011: Latest News for Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic and More |
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May 31, 2011
The 2011 French Open has already reached the quarterfinals and beyond. We've been fortunate to see two extremely different brackets, one for the men and one for the women.
The ladies' field is without the three top seeds and after Maria Sharapova, there really isn't a "big name" left.
Over in the men's group, that certainly is not the case. The top dogs--Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and the red-hot Novak Djokovic--are all still alive and chasing down another Grand Slam title. |
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| "Brand Sharapova" Scores Off the Court |
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May 31, 2011
Is the world ready for "Sugarpova"? It's a new brand of candy and sweets, leveraging the brand value of tennis star Maria Sharapova, expected to launch at the US Open in August.
This is just the latest commercial venture for the world's highest paid female athlete whose branding acumen seems to be as sharp as her tennis game.
The 24-year old professional tennis player is a winner in more ways than one, ranking number seven in the world's single women tennis players and having made over $24 million from June 2009 to June 2010, according to Forbes. |
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| Marketing Game, set, brand for tennis star |
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May 31, 2011
When she won her first grand-slam title in 2004, at age 17, tennis player Maria Sharapova made the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The photo showed the Russian teenager at the moment she became a household name, proudly beaming on the court at Wimbledon in England - in a body-skimming white tank dress from Nike.
"Star Power," the headline read.
"And do you think I knew what Sports Illustrated was?" Sharapova, 24, said recently, recalling when her agent, Max Eisenbud, first showed her the magazine, expecting her to be as excited as he was. |
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| Maria Sharapova vows to make clay mark in Paris |
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May 31, 2011
PARIS: Maria Sharapova has vowed to put years of claycourt under-achievement behind her, starting with victory over German 15th seed Andrea Petkovic in Wednesday's French Open quarterfinals.
French Open 2011
Sharapova, the seventh seed, has tasted success at Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006) and the Australian Open (2008), but her best Roland Garros showing remains a straight sets semifinal defeat by Ana Ivanovic in 2007. |
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| Maria Sharapova sizzles her way into Roland Garros Quarterfinals |
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May 30, 2011
Russian superstar Maria Sharapova survived a see-saw struggle to beat Agnieszka Radwanska and entered the semifinals of the second major of the season in Paris.
Winner of all the other three Grand Slam events, Maria Sharapova closed on a title triumph at Roland Garros today when she beat a spirited Pole Agnieszka Radwanska to enter the quarterfinals of the 2011 French Open, being played here in Paris, France. |
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| Maria Sharapova Advances to French Open 2011 Quarters |
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May 30, 2011
Maria is through to her fifth quarter-final at Roland Garros after she defeated No.12 seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 7-6 7-5 in 2 hours.
This is Maria's ninth match win in a row dating back to Rome.
In the first set, Maria got off to a slow start as she found herself down 4-1 but she worked her way back to level the set 4-4. Both players then held their two service games to force a tie-break. Maria won the tie-break 7-4 when she hit a powerful serve that Radwanska couldn't deal with. |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs Agnieszka Radwanska Match Preview |
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May 30, 2011
Maria Sharapova last made the quarters of the French Open in 2009. She'll be looking to get back to that stage on Monday in what promises to be a tough match against Agnieszka Radwanska.
Maria Sharapova, a recent clay court Premier Mandatory titlist, entered this year’s French Open in great form and she appears to be a legitimate contender for the title having made it through to round four having only lost one set. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Will Sharapova Complete Career Grand Slam This Year? |
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May 29, 2011
Maria Sharapova Eyes First Ever Win At French Open to Complete Career Grand Slam
It has been a long time since Maria Sharapova won a major tournament, but she is choosing the right time get it back together. |
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| Maria Sharapova talks about her easy third round win and pays tribute to the retiring Patty Schnyder |
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| May 29, 2011 |
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Pre-tournament favourite Maria Sharapova continued her march towards the only Grand Slam title missing from her trophy cabinet with a solid 6-2, 6-3 win against Taiwanese qualifier Chan Yung-Jan in the third round of the French Open on Saturday. Up next for the Russian princess is Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, who pulled off a commendable straight sets win against Yanina Wickmayer.
In her post match press conference Sharapova talks about her win, her next opponent, the retirement of Patty Schnyder and a whole lot more.
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| Question |
Can we say you were totally in control today? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, I felt like I was in control most of the match. I only got broken once I believe in the second set, and I served really well throughout the match. You know, I took my chances when I had them.
So, yeah, I was quite pleased after playing a three set match that I had a quicker one today. |
| Question |
So you've got Radwanska. You've played her a number of times, I think only once on clay, though, Istanbul. But she's obviously a tough out on clay. She moves well, gets a lot of balls back. You want to just talk about that? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it will be a really tough match because I think this is one of her best surfaces. She's a really good mover and moves well on clay and gets a lot of balls back, and just be important to be aggressive and look for my opportunities to move forward. |
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| Maria Sharapova Solidifies Status as French Open Favorite |
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May 28, 2011
World No. 7 Maria Sharapova eased her way into the fourth round of the French Open with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over world No. 129 Chan Yung-Jan on Saturday. The win provided some stability to a wild week that saw the top two seeds, Caroline Wozniacki and Kim Clijsters, suffer early upsets. With the top seeds out of competition, the former world No. 1 remains many fans’ favorite to claim the title at Roland Garros.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova surged ahead to a 4-0 lead in the first set, breaking the Taiwanese qualifier twice, including an 18-point game in which Sharapova converted her third break point. At 5-2, Sharapova served out the set without dropping a point in the final game, to earn herself a one-set lead. |
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| No drama for Maria Sharapova |
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May 28, 2011
Maria Sharapova reached the last 16 of the French Open on Saturday after beating Chan Yung-jan 6-2 6-3.
It was a drama-free encounter for the seventh seed, and an outcome she was doubtless grateful for having been a set and 4-1 down against French teenager Caroline Garcia in their second-round match on Thursday. |
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| Maria Sharapova relying on senior service in Paris |
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May 28, 2011
PARIS: Maria Sharapova believes her Grand Slam pedigree, which has brought her three majors, could carry her through to a first French Open final next weekend.
The Russian superstar, who has already won Wimbledon, the US and Australian Opens, has never got beyond the semifinals at Roland Garros, her 1.88m frame often betraying her discomfort on the slow red clay surface.
But buoyed by having captured her first tier one claycourt title in Rome on the eve of the French Open and with world number two Kim Clijsters already out of Roland Garros, Sharapova realises that 2011 could be her year. |
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| Maria Sharapova strolls into fourth round of French Open |
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May 28, 2011
Maria Sharapova is not only winning matches in Paris, her Eiffel Tower-inspired dress is hands down the best outfit on the red clay of Roland Garros. Nike does theme dresses for her for all the Grand Slams, and frankly, when I heard about this one, I was a bit worried. I still had visions of the awful peacock thing she wore in Australia, and the “swan” dress at Wimbledon a few years ago..both hugely unattractive. You’d think with her looks and body she’d look great in anything … not so.
However, this new one is a winner. I love the subtlety. If you didn’t know what it represents you wouldn’t guess. Yellow ribbons criss-cross around her upper body like the iron lattice-work of the famous Paris landmark. Very cool. The double-layered skirt with the sheer overlay moves beautifully, and I love the uneven hemline. Again, subtle, definitely there but not shouting at you. Nice. I’m wondering if I can take a photo with me to Shanghai and get something similar in a street length dress made … they can make anything for a great price. |
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| Maria Sharapova – Winning in tennis and fashion in Paris |
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May 28, 2011
Maria Sharapova is not only winning matches in Paris, her Eiffel Tower-inspired dress is hands down the best outfit on the red clay of Roland Garros. Nike does theme dresses for her for all the Grand Slams, and frankly, when I heard about this one, I was a bit worried. I still had visions of the awful peacock thing she wore in Australia, and the “swan” dress at Wimbledon a few years ago..both hugely unattractive. You’d think with her looks and body she’d look great in anything … not so.
However, this new one is a winner. I love the subtlety. If you didn’t know what it represents you wouldn’t guess. Yellow ribbons criss-cross around her upper body like the iron lattice-work of the famous Paris landmark. Very cool. The double-layered skirt with the sheer overlay moves beautifully, and I love the uneven hemline. Again, subtle, definitely there but not shouting at you. Nice. I’m wondering if I can take a photo with me to Shanghai and get something similar in a street length dress made … they can make anything for a great price. |
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| Maria Sharapova sets up Agnieszka Radwanska clash in Paris |
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May 28, 2011
On a late Saturday afternoon in sunny Paris, Maria advanced to the fourth round of the second Grand Slam of 2011. Maria defeated Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei 6-2 6-3 in 1 hour and 29 minutes.
From Maria's second round match on Thursday until 4-0 in the first set, Maria won fifteen straight games but the run ended when Chan held her serve for 4-1. Maria dropped only one more game as she won the set 6-2 in 46 minutes. Maria's service statistics in this set were impressive as she had a winning percentage of 64% on first serve and 100% on second serve.
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs Yung-Jan Chan Match Preview |
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May 28, 2011
In an exhilarating third-round showdown of the 2011 French Open, seventh-seed Maria Sharapova will take on Taiwanese tennis ace Yung-jan Chan, who is ranked 129 in WTA. The way Sharapova gave into initial jitters in her last match, this time she will have to be extra careful against Chan, who is producing the best results of career on red-soil of late.
Though, Maria Sharapova held on to her No. 1 position for substantial period of time, there is always some sort of uncertainly associated with this Russian powerhouse of tennis. Sharapova does it more often to keep her fans guessing about what will come next. The Russian looked completely down and out in her last match against inspired Caroline Garcia trailing at 3-6 1-4 , before she rallied with those deafening grunts to produce a win in the end with a 3-6 6-4 6-0 scoreline. |
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| A very business like Maria Sharapova talks about her tough win against 17-year old Caroline Garcia |
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| May 27, 2011 |
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Former world no.1 Maria Sharapova recovered from a 6-3, 4-1 deficit to win 11 games on the trot to beat young Caroline Garcia of France, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0. The win was hardly a popular one with the 17-year old French prodigy earning the respect and adoration of the home fans.
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| Question |
You told courtside that you made some adjustments to your game during the match. Can you please elaborate. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Well, first of all, I think I relaxed and just, you know, let things happen. I think I was way too concerned about the conditions and wasn't moving my feet and just was really slow, and she was playing aggressive and, you know, hitting great shots. I just felt flat-footed in the beginning.
I just hit the ball finally. |
| Question |
The American Jim Courier when he was criticized for his lack of weapons said going for the lines at crunch time, hitting all out when everything is on the line is a skill and a talent. Could you talk about that sense of fight? Also, compare your intensity and your will to win with the caliber of others, with Serena and with Justine? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Well, I just never think that the match is over until it actually is. I think that no matter what situation you're put in, no matter how good or bad you feel, you've got to finish the match.
Like I said, I never really felt comfortable throughout that match. I was just really trying to find my own rhythm. You know, more than anything I was just trying to be more consistent and not, you know, maybe make her hit the errors instead.
She'd hit a great first shot and then I just wouldn't hit the ball. I felt like I was flat-footed. More than anything, I felt like I had to make a few changes, which I did. I made the adjustment. That was really important.
As far as the fighting, I think, yeah, it's important to fight. You know, it's not my job to compare myself to other players, but I'm certainly-- I'll never give up out there, yeah. |
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| Paris Fashion Week |
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May 26, 2011
Tramlines doesn't pretend to know its Gucci from it's Prada but when it comes to recognising it's Adidas from its Nike, TL is unrivalled.
And yet TL was forced to raise an eyebrow when Maria Sharapova revealed that her dress this year is inspired by the Eiffel Tower?
As nice a dress as it is, and considerably better than the creations Venus Williams was sporting in Australia earlier this year, TL just can't see it. See what you think.
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| Seeing the Future, and Denying It |
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May 26, 2011
PARIS—I sat in the press seats in Chatrier for the better part of an hour today rolling the opening line to this post around in my head.
These are the days that make a tennis writer’s life worthwhile . . .
There are legendary wins and memorable matches, but this is the kind of moment that stays with a serious fan . . .
That’s the beauty of tennis: Just when you think there’ll never be another new great player, that the well is dry and the tap has been turned off, a kid comes out of nowhere and proves you wrong, shows you that the sport’s history will go on . . . |
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| Maria Sharapova finally awakens |
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May 26, 2011
PARIS -- OK, let's review:
At the end of January, four-time French Open champion Justine Henin retired -- for the second time. Serena Williams, who won the title here in 2002, hasn't played in nearly a year. World No. 2 Kim Clijsters came into this year's event at Roland Garros without having played a match on clay.
The result? One of the widest-open women's tournaments in years. And then on Thursday, Clijsters went down to a Dutch player few had ever heard of. Suddenly -- shades of Moses and the Red Sea -- the draw was opening up for Maria Sharapova. Finally, coming off the best clay-court win of her career in Rome, she seemed to be destined to complete her career Grand Slam.
Uh, hold on to that thought. |
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| Maria Sharapova Rallies against Teen, Through to Roland Garros 3rd Round |
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May 26, 2011
PARIS (AP) — Maria Sharapova battled back from 3-6 1-4 down against Caroline Garcia of France to advance to the 3rd round of Roland Garros. She won 11 straight games to beat 17-year-old French wild card Caroline Garcia 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 Thursday in the second round of the French Open in just under 2 hours.
In the 1st set Maria very bad start, making many unforced errors and poor mobility, advancement Grace 5-1 2-0 and then getting to the set, but Mary was waking up (albeit slowly) to win 2 games and Garcia again to take the 40-0 September 5 to 3 was removed on September 2 Mary achievement off point but could not with the 3rd and Garcia took the set 6-3. |
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| Maria Sharapova Graces NY Times Style Section Cover |
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May 26, 2011
When Maria Sharapova won her first grand slam title in 2004, at age 17, she made the cover of Sports Illustrated. The issue showed Ms. Sharapova at the moment she became a household name, proudly beaming on court at Wimbledon in a body-skimming white tank dress from Nike. "Star Power," the headline read.
"And do you think I knew what Sports Illustrated was?" Ms. Sharapova said recently, recalling the moment when her agent, Max Eisenbud, first showed her the magazine, expecting her to be as excited as he was. "I knew what Vogue was, but I didn't know what Sports Illustrated was." |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs Caroline Garcia Match Preview |
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May 26, 2011
After making a fine start to the 2011 French Open, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia is ready to take on home-favourite teen sensation Caroline Garcia, who caught the eyes of many by making it to the second-round of the Aussie Open, earlier this year. Well, the Russian is crushing favourite in this duel...
Current World No. 7 Maria Sharpova got on to act from where she left in Rome and made a strong start to her title campaign at the 2011 French Open with a straight sets win over Croatian and former Wimbledon semi-finalist Mirjana Lucic on Tuesday. |
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| French Open Results: Maria Sharapova's Best Chance |
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May 25, 2011
Ms. Maria Sharapova must be salivating at the opportunity she has before her at this year's French Open. The two-time grand slam winner has had her fair share of downs over the last few years due to either injury or the distraction of her burgeoning fame.
But, right now, Maria is playing her best tennis in years, catapulting her world ranking to 8th and grabbing the 7th seed at Roland Garros. And this year she'll find the fewest amount of obstacles standing in her path to the French Open title that she's ever had. |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova happy to be 'marked woman' by court rivals |
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May 25, 2011
Maria Sharapova is delighted to be a marked woman on the world's tennis courts, which is just as well, as donning diamond-encrusted earrings makes her hard to miss.
The Russian eased into the French Open second round with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Croatia's Mirjana Lucic on Tuesday. |
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| Maria Sharapova talks tennis, jewelry, being a favourite this year and defeating a veteran |
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| May 24, 2011 |
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Mirjana Lucic a Wimbledon semi-finalist back in 1999 held her own in her first round match against Maria Sharapova for the first 5 games before the Russian princess rattled off 10 games on the trot to ease through to a 6-3, 6-0 win in under an hour.
Sharapova was her usual self wading through the barrage of questions that came her way as she talked tennis, her form, the pressure of being a favourite and enjoying her time in the fashion capital of the world.
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| Question |
You didn't pretty much miss a ball the last nine games. Looks like you're completely in rhythm now. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it was a tough beginning because she started off serving really big, and I didn't get too many looks on second serves, and once I got a good rhythm, you know, I felt like I started playing better and better.
Yeah, it's a good way to start. First round is always a little tricky, especially when you don't know your opponent too well. |
| Question |
So confidence-wise, when do you think you really find it? Was it against Wozniacki or Sam? Now it looks like you can pretty much hit any shot. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Thank you. Um, I felt, you know, I started the tournament off really well, and I felt like I continued with that. You know, even though I lost the first set to Azarenka, I felt like I adjusted well, and I did that really well throughout the tournament, felt that like if something wasn't quite working, you know, always had a plan B, and was able to find a way to win and do it in good manner. |
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| Love all: Tennis star Maria Sharapova shows off huge diamond ring as she strolls in Paris with suitably tall fiance |
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May 24, 2011
She's the Amazonian Russian tennis player - so it was only natural that Maria Sharapova needed a huge rock from her fiancé, and not just to be in proportion with her frame.
The 6ft 2ins star, who's also reportedly the world's highest-paid female sports star, got engaged to her NBA basketall player boyfriend Sasha Vujacic last October and was seen sporting the huge diamond on her ring finger as she walked around Paris at the weekend. |
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| Maria Sharapova shines in First round at French Open |
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May 24, 2011
PARIS (AP) With Tiffany earrings dangling from her lobes and her best tennis in years flowing from her racket, Maria Sharapova looked as if she's ready to once again challenge for a Grand Slam title.
The three-time major champion had little trouble beating Mirjana Lucic of Croatia 6-3, 6-0 on Tuesday, winning the final nine games to reach the second round of the French Open. But it wasn't only her serve or groundstrokes that made an impression on center court. |
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| Maria Sharapova wastes no time in French Open 2011 Paris |
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May 24, 2011
It took Maria only 56 minutes to advance to the 2nd round of Roland Garros as she defeated Mirjana Lucic of Croatia 6-3 6-0.
In the seventh game after a very close first set Maria broke Lucic and uped the tempo as she takes the next two games and wins the set 6-3 on a cross court winner.
Maria was totally in control in the second set as she continued the fine form from her title run in Rome as she didn't drop a game and won the match when Lucic hit a backhand long. |
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| French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova vs. Mirjana Lucic Match Preview |
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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.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Mirjana Lucic in Roland Garro 2011 |
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May 23, 2011
Maria will start her Roland Garros campaign on Tuesday against world no.94 Mirjana Lucic of Croatia. Maria has never played the 29-year-old before.
This match will be the second match on Chatrier and the schedule of play begins at 11.00 local time. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Is This the Year Sharapova Makes It to the French Open Final? |
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May 23, 2011
Maria Sharapova Trying to Complete Career Grand Slam
There have been an awful lot of up and downs for Maria Sharapova since she last won a major.
And the Queen of Scream could even win the French Open, the one title missing from her collection of major championships.
Shortly after her victory at the 2008 Australian Open, it was discovered that Sharapova was suffering from a rotator cuff tear in her right shoulder. That forced her to miss the rest of the season, and she ultimately had to have surgery after rehab didn't work out. She finished the year at No. 9 in the world rankings. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Mirjana Lucic in French Open 2011 |
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May 22, 2011
Maria Sharapova will play against Mirjana Lucic in the first round of the French Open tournament at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday. The match will kick off at 14:30 IST.
The world No. 7 ranked Maria Sharapova was paired with Mirjana Lucic in the opening round of the Roland Garros event in Paris on Sunday, 22nd May. Sharapova has won the WTA event in Rome Masters, as she has improved a lot from last season. She had never won the French Open event in career, as she wants to lift the title for the first time.
There have been an awful lot of up and downs for Maria Sharapova since she last won a major. |
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| Getting to know Iveta Benesova |
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May 22, 2011
Iveta Benesova has been wearing the Nike 'Maria Sharapova Collection' since the beginning of this year.
Below is an interview with Nike Tennis and a chance to get to know Iveta. |
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| Maria Sharapova to go that Extra Smile |
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May 22, 2011
Maria Sharapova has made the comeback women’s tennis was so badly hoping for.
And the Queen of Scream could even win the French Open, the one title missing from her collection of major championships.
The 24-year-old Russian took the Italian Open last Sunday, and on a surface she has never been comfortable with. But since getting engaged and being totally content in her private life, Sharapova has redefined her career. |
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| Reborn Maria Sharapova gunning for career grand slam at French Open |
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May 22, 2011
Some fighters used to think that Sugar Ray Leonard was a pretty-boy, fancy-dan boxer with quick feet and lacking in the game's uglier requirements – until he hit them.
Maria Sharapova is the Sugar Ray of tennis. She stands 6ft 2in on legs of alabaster, her blonde hair silky atop a face from Vogue and she talks with the demure calm of Ingrid Bergman – but the Russian is as tough as anyone on the women's circuit, or maybe the men's for that matter. Few players belie their image so starkly. Martina Hingis, welcoming Sharapova's return to form after a disturbing longueur, described her this week as "a great competitor, so strong in the mind". |
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| Maria Sharapova looks forward to an assault on the French Open crown and talks about the open nature of the draw |
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| May 21, 2011 |
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Italian Open champion Maria Sharapova talks to the press about her form coming into the French Open, her increasing comfort with clay, the favourites for this year's crown and the open nature of the women's draw...
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| Question |
Coming into Roland Garros on the back of a great win, so you come in with confidence. Will people look at you a bit more differently given that you said here a couple years ago clay isn't exactly your best surface or a surface with which people fear you perhaps as much as on grass? So coming in with a big tournament win, you're in the front line. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, I mean, it's not really my job to say whether I am or not. I think that's more of your job than mine. My job is to go out and play tennis and compete, and I was really happy with the way last week turned out. You know, I played great tennis. I had some great matches and wins over good players, especially on clay.
So it's definitely a confidence booster. You know, just hoping to take this form and bring it over to Roland Garros. |
| Question |
Kim Clijsters, she is back in this tournament. What do you expect of her? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Well, it's always difficult to not play for a few weeks and come back as a Grand Slam being your first tournament. But, you know, she has a tremendous amount of experience behind her back.
I don't think this is the first time that certainly not the first time she's come back after having a long lay-off. She's been able to do really well when she's taken time off, so you can never count her out. It might take her a few matches to get into form. That's normal when you haven't played for a while. But, yeah. |
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| Getting to know Madison Keys |
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May 21, 2011
Madison Keys has been wearing the Nike 'Maria Sharapova Collection' since the launch of the line at the beginning of 2010.
Below is an interview with Nike Tennis and a chance to get to know Madison. |
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| Maria Sharapova picks out Kim Clijsters as Favourite |
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May 21, 2011
Maria Sharapova’s victory in Rome last week has marked her out as a serious title contender at the French Open but the Russian former world number one says Kim Clijsters is the player to beat.
Belgian Clijsters was a major doubt for the tournament after injuring her ankle while stumbling at her cousin’s wedding two months ago but has recovered in the nick of time. |
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| Maria Sharapova Top Female Athlete in Forbes Celebrity 100 |
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May 20, 2011
Tennis was the most represented sport in the 2011 Forbes’ Celebrity 100 List, which includes celebrated players Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams. The Forbes list ranks its members according to five factors: Money Rank, TV/Radio Rank, Press Rank, Web Rank and Social Rank. Of the 19 athletes who made the list, five are from tennis, four are from the NBA, three are from soccer, only one is from auto racing, and there are two each from golf, baseball, and the NFL.
According to Forbes, the 19 athletes on this year’s list earned a combined $647 million. The top athlete on the list, Tiger Woods, comes in at No. 6, behind celebrities Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Bieber, U2, and Elton John. The other athletes in the top 20 are LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. |
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| No Early Signs of Trouble for Top Seeds |
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May 20, 2011
No one can accuse Caroline Wozniacki of not getting enough time on clay ahead of the French Open. The world No. 1 had a packed dirt schedule, and unlike most of the contenders, she decided to play in the week leading up to the season's second major.
So a few hours after Friday's draw was made, Wozniacki was scheduled to meet the reigning queen at Roland Garros, Francesca Schiavone, in Brussels. |
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| Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, Maria Sharapova: Who will Win French Open 2011? |
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May 20, 2011
The 2011 French Open women's draw features a number of strong players who are coming into their own at just the right time. Among Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters are the top two players in the world and Maria Sharapova is perhaps playing the best tennis in the world right now.
Who will take the French Open title?
Sharapova recently won the Rome Masters title over Samantha Stosur. "I was really happy with the way last week turned out," said the world number seven Sharapova. |
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| French Open 2011: Women's Draw Pits Kim Clijsters Against Maria Sharapova |
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May 20, 2011
The women's draw is set for the French Open 2011 and, like the men's field, seems to hold little to no chance of a U.S. victory with both Venus and Serena Williams scratched due to injury. American sweetheart Melanie Oudin, on a cold streak since her storied run to the quarterfinals in the 2009 U.S. Open, is as luckless as compatriot John Isner in this draw, facing 2010 Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone in Round 1 and further scuttling chances of an American taking a victory lap two Sundays from now.
On to players actually in contention: No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki draws Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan in Round 1, a player of whom we stand in perpetual awe thanks to her continuing to play professional tennis while being older than Michael Chang. Fan favorite Li Na, 2011 Australian Open runner-up, faces a relatively easy draw with No. 4 Victoria Azarenka the greatest threat. And in a truly unfortunate twist, the two likeliest women to hoist the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen have landed in the same quarter: There will be no Kim Clijsters-Maria Sharapova final in Paris. |
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| Roland Garros 2011 Draw Released |
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May 20, 2011
The draw for the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros has been released and Maria is seeded No.7 and will play Mirjana Lucic of Croatia in the first round. Maria has never played Lucic before.
The first seed Maria can meet is No.31 seed Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic in the third round. No.2 seed Kim Clijsters of Belgium is the seeded player Maria can meet in the quarters. |
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| Maria Sharapova practices at Roland Garros 2011 |
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May 20, 2011
The world No. 7 ranked Maria Sharapova has worked out on Court Suzanne Lenglen at Roland Garros on Thursday, ahead of the French Open begins on Sunday.
Maria Sharapova has won the WTA tournament recently in Rome Masters recently. She has been working hard in Paris on Thursday, as she is preparing for the 2011 French Open event. The Russian star is one the hot favorite to lift the clay court title in Paris along with world No. 1 Caroline wozniacki and Julia Goerges. |
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| Maria Sharapova, Clijsters among French Open favourites |
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May 19, 2011
The French Open may be shorn of some of the big names in the women's game, and Caroline Wozniacki hardly inspires awe as top seed, but this year's tournament does have some intriguing sub-plots. First of all can Maria Sharapova prove everyone wrong by winning the French Open to complete her career Grand Slam set?
The 24-year-old Russian last won a Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open after which she was wracked by a succession of injuries that left her wondering if her career would come to an abrupt end. |
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| Getting to know Julia Goerges |
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May 18, 2011
Julia Goerges has been wearing the Nike 'Maria Sharapova Collection' since the launch of the line at the beginning of 2010.
Below is an interview with Nike Tennis and a chance to get to know Julia. |
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| French Open? More like wide open in women's draw |
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May 18, 2011
(Reuters) - Trying to pick a winner in the women's draw for this year's French Open is like trying to get a ticket for the final -- nearly impossible.
Rarely could there have been a more wide open grand slam with world number one Caroline Wozniacki, last year's winner Francesca Schiavone, injury-troubled Kim Clijsters and suddenly resurgent Maria Sharapova all in with a shout. |
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| 2011 French Open: The New Beginning for Maria Sharapova |
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May 18, 2011
The world No. 7 ranked Maria Sharapova seems to be one of the top seeds in the French Open tournament, after her Rome Masters victory on last week.
Sharapova had won a Championship nearly one year back and she wants to reintroduce herself as a serious contender to clinch the tournament this year. She had not won a single French Open title in her career.
The Russian star is having an opportunity to lift the title this year, where Serena Williams and Venus Williams are pulled out of 2011 French Open, due to Injuries. The world No. 2 Kim Clijsters is unclear about her playing in the Roland Garros event. Recently, Sharapova has been thrashed world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the Rome Masters semi-finals and defeated Samantha Stosur in the finals with a 6-2 and 6-4 scoreline. |
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| Resurgent Sharapova finding her game just in time for Roland Garros |
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May 18, 2011
Put aside the Novak Djokovic-Rafael Nadal storyline for a moment. It's one of the sport's most compelling developments in years, perhaps to come to a head at the French Open, but from this corner, the best story of the Rome Masters was Maria Sharapova's stirring triumph.
In a single week, she cleared a number of obstacles: the irresponsibly bitter Victoria Azarenka, the brick wall of Caroline Wozniacki's defense, and finally Samantha Stosur's forehand in Sunday's 6-2, 6-4 final. |
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| The welcome renaissance of Maria Sharapova |
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May 17, 2011
Such is the star power of Maria Sharapova that her victory at Rome on Sunday was like a ray of sunshine warming the women's game.
Venus and Serena Williams out of the French Open? The status of Kim Clijsters unclear? The world No 1 the queen of underwhelm? |
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| Maria Sharapova: Why Sharapova Is a Long Shot to Win the French Open 2011 |
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May 17, 2011
The road to victory at Roland Garros won’t be so easy for Maria Sharapova, the winner of this weeks Italian Open. While she’s been prepped for the clay court by having survived Italy, she’s not likely to be the favorite as play starts next week.
The talented Sharapova is going to be dealing with a tough list of competitors including last years French Open champ, Italian star Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone won’t have it easy either as it’s been four years since last a woman repeated at the French when Justine Hennin captured two consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007. |
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| Maria Sharapova leaps to 7th spot in WTA Rankings |
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May 17, 2011
The world No. 7 ranked Maria Sharapova has climbed one position in the WTA Rankings, after the last week’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia win in Rome.
Maria Sharapova has moved from No. 8 to No. 7, as her highest ranking, since she was No. 6 in November 2008. Sharapova has crossed the Samantha Stosur of Australia, after losing the Rome Masters final with a 6-2 and 6-4 score line on Sunday. Sharapova of Russia got 4,761 points, where Samantha Stosur achieved 4, 645 points with 8th position in the WTA Rankings. |
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| Maria Sharapova featured in Oprah Magazine |
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May 16, 2011
Maria is featured in the June edition of Oprah magazine in an interview titled 'My Best Life'. Maria talks about homemade meals, faraway beaches and the joys of karaoke...
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| Maria Sharapova: The Time Is Now for Sharapova to Win First French Open |
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May 16, 2011
The hard part is not over for Maria Sharapova as far as winning the French Open of her career is concerned. Nevertheless, it certainly feels like it is.
In case you missed it, Sharapova scored a pretty major victory at the Italian Open over the weekend. She topped world No. 1 Carolina Wozniacki in the semifinals, and then easily dispatched Sam Stosur 6-2, 6-4 in the final match on Sunday. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Ready to Roll at French Open After Winning the Rome Masters |
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May 16, 2011
Maria Sharapova Wins French Open Tune-Up in Dominating Fashion
Maria Sharapova has had a rough two years as she has dealt with injuries and poor performance. Don't look now but she is playing some of her best tennis in a long time. |
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| Nobody falls quite as sexily as Maria Sharapova |
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May 16, 2011
Maria Sharapova defeated top ranked Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals of the Italian Open on Saturday. She followed that up with a straight sets victory over Sam Stosur in what is being described as the biggest clay court title of her career.
She also, unfortunately, took a rather nasty tumble during her match with Wozniacki. But in typical Sharapova fashion, even the fall itself was, uh, quite sexy (so is the grunting for what it’s worth). |
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| Maria Sharapova: Internazionali BNL D'Italia Rome 2011 Champion! |
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May 15, 2011
Maria has won the biggest clay title of her career today at the Internazionali BNL D'Italia in Rome today as she defeated No.6 seed Samantha Stosur of Australia 6-2 6-4 in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Congratulations Maria!
This is Maria's 23rd career title and her 1st title of 2011.
After a rain delay of just over 3 hours, Maria came onto court firing and broke Stosur immediately in the first game and quickly broke again to lead 4-1. After a exchange of breaks in the next 2 games, Maria held her serve to take the set 6-2. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Samantha Stosur Preview - WTA Rome 2011 |
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May 15, 2011
Samantha Stosur and Maria Sharapova were not the most likely finalists in Rome when the tournament began. However they will meet on Sunday in the final from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Maria Sharapova, perhaps lucky to have gotten past Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals in Rome, is now in position to take down the 23rd title of her already illustrious career. Sharapova will face French Open finalist Samantha Stosur in the championship match of the Premier Mandatory event in Italy's capital on Sunday with the coveted title on the line. |
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| Maria Sharapova outclasses No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in Rome Semis |
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May 14, 2011
The seventh-seeded , Former world No. 1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova has the chance to win her first title in a year and will play Australia’s Samantha Stosur in the Internazionali BNL D'Italia in Rome Masters final after she defeated world number one Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 7-5, 6-3 in a match littered with service breaks in 1 hour and 49 minutes.
This is Maria's biggest final on clay and her 3rd win over a top 10 player this year.
Russian Maria Sharapova stunned world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki with a straight-set victory in the semifinals at the $2.05 million Internazionali d'Italia tennis event. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Caroline Wozniacki in Rome Masters - Match Preview |
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May 14, 2011
Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova, in what promises to be an intense match, are scheduled to meet in the semifinals of the Premier Mandatory event in Rome.
WTA Rome has a premier match-up scheduled for Saturday as world number one Caroline Wozniacki faces fan-favorite and former world number one Maria Sharapova. |
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| Victoria Azarenka Retires, Maria Sharapova into Rome Semis |
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May 13, 2011
Maria is through to the semis in Rome as No.3 seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus had to retire with an elbow injury. The score was 4-6 3-0 when Azarenka retired.
Both players had trouble holding their serve at the beginning of the first set but Azarenka took control of the set as she led 5-2, Maria came back as she took the next two games but Azarenka won the final game to take the set 6-4. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Victoria Azarenka in Rome Masters - Match Preview |
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May 13, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia has been gaining some form in the ongoing 2011 International BNL d Italia WTA Tournament. The Russian will take on No.3 seed Victoria Azarenka who is on a roll in the new season with two titles already in her kitty. Get ready for another blockbuster clash...
Russian Maria Sharapova, who is seeded seventh here, has been looking good with each game that she has played in 2011 International BNL d Italia WTA Tournament. But, her biggest challenge comes now in the form of Victoria Azarenka, who has won 2 WTA titles so far in 2011 and has a very good 25-7 win-loss record in this season. |
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| Maria Sharapova Continues Run in Rome |
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May 12, 2011
Maria's good form in Rome is continuing as she defeated No.10 seed Shahar Peer of Israel 6-2 6-2 in 70 minutes to reach the quarters.
Maria was down quickly 0-2 in the first set but she took six straight games to take the set 6-2 when Peer double-faulted.
The good form from the first set continued in the second as Maria was always in control and needed two breaks to secure victory and won the match on a soaring backhand winner. |
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| Maria Sharapova to Wear Tiffany Diamond Earrings at the 2011 French Open |
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May 12, 2011
Tiffany & Co. today announced that three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova will wear Tiffany diamond earrings at the 2011 French Open, May 17 through June 5, at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
The drop earrings that Ms. Sharapova has selected feature rose-cut diamonds, an early faceting style that resembles the petals of a rose. The diamonds are set in platinum and reflect both the beauty and quality of Tiffany design.
“These earrings sparkle with every movement,” Ms. Sharapova said, “and they are so lightweight which makes them perfect to wear on the court.” |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Shahar Peer in Rome Masters - Match Preview |
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May 12, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia has an apparent 4-0 record against World No. 14 Shahar Peer of Israel. Well, the Russian can hope for another easy victory against Peer, who has been struggling to find some form, of late.
When last time they met, World No. 8 Maria Sharpova completely outplayed Shahar Peer in all departments of the game and earned a straight sets victory in the opening round of the Fed Cup in 2008. It has been three years since the Russian last defeated Peer and things have changed a lot over a period of time. Now this Israeli contender is looking ready to give some hard-time to the Russian. Both will take on each other to secure their berth in the quarterfinal of the 2011 International BNL dItalia, a WTA Premier Event being played here in Rome, Italy. |
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| Maria Sharapova Seeking French Glory |
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May 11, 2011
Former world number one Maria Sharapova desperately wants to add the French Open crown to her Australian, US and Wimbledon titles.
The 24-year-old will head to Paris next week seeking the only Grand Slam missing from her resume, having reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2007.
In Rome this week to compete at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Sharapova said she is confident her game can stand up when it matters. |
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| Maria Sharapova Storms into Last 16 |
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May 10, 2011
Former world number one Maria Sharapova sounded out a warning to her rivals today after demolishing fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-1 6-1 in 54 minutes to advance to the third round of the Italian Open.
The seventh seed was in irrepressible form ahead of Roland Garros, breaking her ragged opponent's serve in the first game and then at will as she hit 19 winners to flatten Makarova. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Ekaterina Makarova in Rome Masters |
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May 10, 2011
Maria Sharapova will face against Ekaterina Makarova in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Tuesday, as ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event played here in Rome.
World No. 8 ranked Sharapova started off well in this season with a quarterfinal spot of Auckland. She also entered into the semi-final spot at the Indiana Well and the final appearance at Miami. She lost to Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia in the third round of the 2011 Mutua Madrid Open, as she is facing Ekaterina Makarova of Russia in the first of the Rome tournament. |
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| Matured Maria Sharapova Looking Forward to Clay |
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May 08, 2011
ROME: Russian pin-up Maria Sharapova says she is feeling more confident on clay this year because her body has matured.
The gangly 24-year-old has never looked fully comfortable on the red stuff and at times has looked rather ungainly when playing on clay. |
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| Rome - Internazionali BNL d'Italia 2011 Draw Released |
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May 07, 2011
The draw for the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, Italy has been released and Maria is seeded No.7 and has a bye in the first round. In the second round, Maria will play either Ekaterina Makarova of Russia or last year's champion Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain. Maria has never played Martinez Sanchez before and played Makarova once before in Madrid last week and won in three sets.
The first seed Maria can meet is No.10 seed Shahar Peer of Israel in the third round and is seeded to meet No.3 seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the quarters. |
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| Dominika Cibulkova beat Maria Sharapova in Madrid Open 2011 |
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May 04, 2011
Maria's run at the Mutua Madrid Open in Madrid is over as she lost 5-7 4-6 to Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia in the 3rd round.
Rome will be Maria's next tournament beginning next Monday. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Dominika Cibulkova : Madrid Open 2011 Match Preview |
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May 04, 2011
World No.9 Maria Sharapova came close to winning a title in Miami but fell at the final hurdle. Will the red clay of Madrid prove lucky his time? Read here.
World No.9 and three time major champion Maria Sharapova takes on Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova for a place in the next round of the 2011 Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA premier event being played here in the Spanish Capital.
The 2011 season marked Sharapova's return to top 10 in WTA rankings after two years of struggle. Sharapova claimed two titles last year but failed to open her account in 2011. Sharapova's best performance this year has been a final finish in Miami at the Sony Ericsson Open, where she lost in straight sets to Belarusian Victoria Azarenka. |
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| Maria Sharapova's brand new HEAD INSTINCT Racquet |
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May 02, 2011
At the Madrid WTA Masters event Maria Sharapova, the newest arrival to the HEAD pro-player team, premiered the new HEAD YouTek™ IG INSTINCT racquet in her first round victory over Arantxa Rus.
The Russian 2004 Wimbledon champion Sharapova played a key on-court role in the development of the new HEAD INSTINCT Series, which promises club and professional players 'Effortless Power'.
"The game became a lot more powerful, a lot more physical", Maria Sharapova admits. "I was really looking for a powerful racquet, and am thankful that HEAD provided me with exactly that", she commented on her new weapon. HEAD CEO Johan Eliasch is pleased with the contribution from the newest addition to the HEAD stable. "Maria gave a lot of input to help develop this new series of racquets. We are proud that she joined our team and trusts our products." |
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| Maria Sharapova beats Ekaterina Makarova at Madrid Open 2011 |
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May 02, 2011
Maria Sharapova of Russia is through to the 3rd round at the Mutua Madrid Open needed three sets to beat compatriot Ekaterina Makarova for survived a minor wobble to book her place. She Beats Ekaterina Makarova by -3 3-6 6-1 in 1 hour and 49 minutes.
In the first set all games were held on serve until the eighth seed and former World No 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia who makes her season debut on the clay in Spain were broke Ekaterina Makarova when Makarova double-faulted on break point to lead 5-3. Maria then held her serve in the next game as she took the set 6-3 in 35 minutes but was soon pegged back by Ekaterina Makarova as the world No. 39 forced the match to a decider. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Ekaterina Makarova: 2011 Madrid Open Match Preview |
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May 02, 2011
Maria Sharapova from Russia has managed to improve her form and has nailed her spot right back into the top ten. She will be playing another Russian, Ekaterina Makarova in the second round of the Madrid Open.
Maria Sharapova is ranked at number 9 among the WTA rankings where as Ekaterina Makarova is ranked at number 39 in the world. It will be a match filled with brisk rallies as it is an encounter between two accomplished baseline players. |
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| Maria Sharapova Win Fist Round Match against Arantxa Rus at Madrid Open 2011 |
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May 01, 2011
Maria started her 2011 clay court campaign with a win today as she defeated Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands 2-6 6-3 6-2 at the the Mutua Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain.
The match lasted exactly 2 hours against the 99th ranked 20-year-old on the Manolo Santana Stadium. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Arantxa Rus: 2011 Madrid Open Match Preview |
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May 01, 2011
The European clay-court season reaches its next destination and in the opening round of the 2011 Madrid Open, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia will take on qualifier Arantxa Rus of Netherlands. Russian can expect an easy match against inexperienced World No. 99.
World No. 9 Maria Sharapova is still searching for her first title in the new season and now she will battle it out on the red-soil in Madrid. Well, in the opening round of the 2011 Madrid Open, Sharapova will face qualifier Arantxa Rus of Netherlands, who is ranked 99 in the world. |
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| Maria Sharapova Ready for First Round Match for Mutua Madrid Open 2011 |
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April 29, 2011
Mary said she was ready and motivated to Madrid and it is no match for the Dutch will 1RD and Arantxa Rus (No. 99) have never met.
Mary alone stands 5 points 1RD having lost in 2010, this year Mary came as the 8 seed and plenty to do if the picture is not favorable.
Mandatory Premier WTA tournament on red clay partitioning € 3,500,000 in prizes for the winner and 1000 € 620.000 pts. |
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| Mutua Madrid Open 2011 Draw |
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April 29, 2011
The draw for the Mutua Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain has been released and Maria is seeded No.8 and will play wildcard Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands in the 1st round. Maria has never played Rus before.
The first seed, Maria can meet is No.12 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia in the 3rd round and Maria is seeded to meet No.2 seed Vera Zvonareva of Russia in the quarters. |
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| Maria Sharapova takes on Madrid |
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April 28, 2011
Sony Ericsson, sponsor of the WTA, has offered all fans of Maria Sharapova the chance to fulfill their dream and enjoy a master class in the heart of Madrid.
It has installed a full size tennis court at the spectacular location of Madrid's Plaza de Callao. In the past, Sony Ericsson has surprised lovers of tennis with matches in unusual settings such as a subway platform in Madrid, a hotel swimming pool in New York, on top of a car on a road in Miami and at a desert island in Doha.
On this occasion, Sony Ericsson has taken it to another level and in conjunction with the celebration of this year's Madrid Open it has given five of Maria's biggest fans the opportunity to fulfill a life long dream of playing against the superstar athlete and getting a master class from their idol. |
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| A message from Maria Sharapova |
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April 26, 2011
25 years ago today, my life changed forever and I was not even born yet!! I know that sound impossible, but when the worst nuclear disaster in the history of the world happened 40 miles from where my entire family lived, life changed for many families like mine. Soon after the disaster my mother became pregnant with little old me!!! My parents had to act fast because this was no place to be pregnant and have a baby. Luckily, my Grandparants were working in western Siberia and we fled to the city of Nyagan, where I was born. Two years later, my parents still did not want to bring me back near the disaster and we moved to Sochi, Russia. I started playing tennis at age 4 and I think everyone knows the story from there.
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| Maria Sharapova's 24th Birthday Dinner Photos |
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April 26, 2011
Four exclusive photos of Maria's 24th birthday dinner with family and friends have been added to the site.
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| Maria Sharapova's 25th Chernobyl Anniversary Message |
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April 21, 2011
Click here to see Maria's message.
In preparation for the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster on 26 April, Russian tennis star and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador Maria Sharapova has called on the world to remember the ongoing suffering of those forced to leave the contaminated regions, as well as the heroism of the emergency workers who responded to the accident.
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear power plant accident in history. Radioactive contamination was released into the atmosphere over much of Western Russia and Europe, and more than 130,000 people were relocated from the immediate surroundings of the stricken plant. |
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| Japan Crisis Focuses Chernobyl Commitment |
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April 21, 2011
(CNN) -- Maria Sharapova's parents fled their home to escape the fallout from the Chernobyl explosion before she was born.
Fast-forward 25 years, and Japan's battle to prevent a possible nuclear meltdown following last week's earthquake and subsequent tsunami has brought into focus the Russian tennis star's work to raise awareness about that earlier disaster.
The 23-year-old was born in Siberia a year after the Chernobyl catastrophe, considered the worst nuclear accident in history, as her parents left Belarus to avoid any possible exposure to the spreading radiation. |
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| Bahamas All Star Tennis Weekend Photos |
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April 21, 2011
Photos from Maria's recent exhibition at the All Star Tennis Weekend in the Bahamas have been added to the site.
Maria took part in a kid's clinic, and an exhibition against Gisela Dulko. Also included are photos from Maria's 24th birthday celebration. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Millionaire Famous Athlete |
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April 05, 2011
They are millionaires and celebrities. Are the ten women who earn more money in professional sports.
Some have gained through their professional accomplishments, others for their beauty and advertising contracts, but most of the perfect combination of both.
Mixture that was to become millionaires, with revenue surpassing many well-known male athletes at the time by all the money that is able to pocket. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Was Sharapova Really Upset by Andrea Petkovic's Victory Dance |
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April 05, 2011
Maria Sharapova Takes a Shot at Andrea Petkovic After Defeating Her at Key Biscayne
After her quarterfinals victory against Serbia's Jelena Jankovic at Key Biscayne, Germany's Andrea Petkovic decided to do a little dance on the court which has become known as the Petko Dance.
And after Maria Sharapova defeated Petkovic on the semifinals on Thursday, she decided to do a little dance of her own. |
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| Maria Sharapova Returns to Tennis Top 10 |
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April 04, 2011
PARIS — Russia's Maria Sharapova returned to the Top 10 in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday after reaching the final in Miami at the weekend.
Sharapova lost the final 6-1, 6-4 to Belarus' Victoria Azarenka, who moved to her highest ever ranking of sixth. |
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| Family Circle Cup: Sharapova out of Family Circle Cup |
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April 03, 2011
Everything seems to be falling Shelby Rogers' way these days, possibly even in the case of her Family Circle Cup singles draw and doubles partner. The Family Circle Cup wasn't so lucky Saturday.
The tournament took a major hit when Maria Sharapova rescinded her wild-card entry into the Family Circle Cup and will not appear in the $721,000 WTA Tour stop on Daniel Island. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Final Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| April 02, 2011 |
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| Question |
Obviously late start, but seemed like you really picked up the game in the second set. Victoria as well stayed tough, didn't she? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it's a little bit too late to pick up the pace when you're down a set and 4 0. Yeah, I wish I picked it up earlier obviously. Against a player like her you have to have that level from the beginning or else she's going to go with it and only get better. She'll gain more confidence.
Yeah, she did many things better than I did today. She was the aggressive one. She returned better and did a lot of things better than I did. |
| Question |
You're only a couple years older, and yet it seems like there are some similarities to the point where she might have watched you modelled some stuff on you. Do you sense that you're playing someone similar to you? |
| Maria Sharapova |
She well, has an aggressive game. She goes for her groundstrokes. Yeah, there are certainly similarities. I don't know if that's because she watched me or that's just the way her game is.
Yeah. |
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| Victoria Azarenka defeats Maria Sharapova in WTA Miami Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Final |
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April 02, 2011
MIAMI (AFP) – Victoria Azarenka outplayed Maria Sharapova to win the Sony Ericsson Open by 6-1, 6-4 here Saturday to win the prestigious Miami WTA title for the second time in 1 hour and 46 minutes. Azarenka also won at Key Biscayne in 2009, stopping Serena Williams in the final. The two titles are the biggest of the Belarussian's career.
The No. 8-seeded Azarenka was the steadier player and swept nine consecutive games to take charge. Sharapova, whose most recent title came at Strasbourg in May 2010, has lost her past four finals. She fell to 0-3 in finals at Key Biscayne, where she was also the runner-up in 2005 and 2006. Sharapova committed 43 unforced errors, held serve only once and came up short with a late comeback bid.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Victoria Azarenka Preview - WTA Miami |
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April 02, 2011
Sharapova and Azarenka are scheduled to meet in the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open final.
Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka are the finalists for the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open. Azarenka is into the final having defeated both Kim Clijsters and Vera Zvonareva in recent matches while Sharapova is the sole survivor of Caroline Wozniacki's half of the draw. |
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| Maria Sharapova sees Light at end of Long Road Back |
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April 02, 2011
It has been a long road back but Maria Sharapova will finally return to the world's top 10 in next week's updated world rankings. The 23-year-old Russian, who has been struggling to recover following a shoulder injury, will move up to No 9 in the list whatever the result of her final in Miami today against Victoria Azarenka, who will be attempting to regain the title she won two years ago.
Sharapova, who earned her place in her third Miami final with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 victory over Andrea Petkovic, was last in the world's top 10 during the 2009 Australian Open, which came in the middle of a nine-month break she took from singles play as she underwent surgery. Her recovery has not been easy – this will be her first final for seven months – though she gave an indication of a return to form with a run to the semi-finals in Indian Wells a fortnight ago. |
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| Maria Sharapova: How Sony Ericsson Win Could Spark Sharapova's Season |
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April 01, 2011
Maria Sharapova On Her Way Up The World Rankings. After competing in the Sony Ericsson Open finals twice in her career, the No. 13 ranked Sharapova has yet to win one.
While her finals foe, No. 8 ranked Victoria Azarenka, won last year's tournament. What would winning the Sony Ericsson finals mean to her?
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| Maria Sharapova has one Obstacle: Victoria Azarenka |
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April 01, 2011
The battle of the leggy blonde shriekers from Eastern Europe begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.
There, on Stadium Court, eighth-ranked Victoria Azarenka of Belarus will take on 13th-ranked Maria Sharapova of Russia in the women’s final of the Sony Ericsson Open.
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| Maria Sharapova's Semi-Final Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| March 31, 2011 |
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| Question |
In light of the week you've had and with the weather conditions today and she's playing great, how satisfying is that win today? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, I'm really happy that I'm back in the finals here. I missed this tournament so many years. So to be back in the final and I started off really well in this tournament.
Almost lucky to be here. Had a tough one the other night and also a three setter today. She's been playing the best tennis of her career and beat some good players here, so I was really happy I was able to change things around after losing the first set. |
| Question |
She said that one of the things that makes you such a good champion is that you sense right away a weakness in the other player and basically you jump on that. She said that she felt that you sensed she was hesitating, whatever. Can you talk about that? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Well, to be honest, I felt like I was just making a lot errors in the first set and I wasn't moving my feet at all. And especially with the wind I wasn't moving towards the ball and letting the ball come to me and not really being aggressive. That's what's won me so many matches in my career is when I step in and I hit my strokes and they come deep. I just wasn't doing that.
So first and foremost I felt like I had to start doing that and making little steps and adjusting my game a little bit. More than anything, I sensed that she was tired probably a lot of the dancing that she's been doing and I took advantage of it. |
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| Maria Sharapova Reaches Third WTA Miami Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Final |
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March 31, 2011
Russia's Maria Sharapova reached her first final in seven months with a 3-6 6-0 6-2 victory over Germany's Andrea Petkovic in Miami.
Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Two-time runner-up Russia's Maria Sharapova reached her first final in seven months with a 3-6 6-0 6-2 victory over Germany's Andrea Petkovic in Miami and will play Saturday's women's final at the $4.5 million Sony Ericsson Open.
Sharapova, currently 13th in the world but now sure of a place in the top 10 next week, faced a little resistance late in the third but by then the outcome was clear as Andrea Petkovic's run of upsets came to a rather flat end. A 16th-seeded and Sharapova came from behind to beat 21st-seeded German Andrea Petkovic 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 amid sunny, breezy conditions on the hardcourts at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs. Andrea Petkovic Preview – WTA Miami Sony Ericsson Open 2011 |
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March 31, 2011
World number 13 Maria Sharapova of Russia will meet world number 23 Andrea Petkovic of Germany will meet on Thursday in the semi-finals match from WTA Miami at the Sony Ericsson Open will decide one half of the finalists at the Premier Mandatory event.
Sharapova and Petkovic have met twice before on tour and will be facing each other for the third time. both matches that were played on the hard court surface and both matches from the last year. They are tied at 1-1 in the head-to-head record. Petkovic enters the match seeded 21st while Sharapova is the 16 seed and neither player looked like a finalist pre-tournament. In their first meeting, the Russian thrashed Petkovic in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 in the round of 32 at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati last year. Petkovic took her revenge as she defeated Sharapova without dropping a set 6-2, 6-3 in the fourth round at the Australian Open this year.
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| Maria Sharapova's Quarter-Final Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| March 30, 2011 |
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| Question |
Can you talk about that match? It's obviously one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, if not this year? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, it was long. It was tough. It was not my best performance, but, you know, I gutted it out till the end. I didn't feel great throughout the match. I was making too many errors.
My opponent was playing really well and consistent, and I just never felt, even though I had the lead, I just never took care of it. But at the end of the day I won, so I'm really happy. |
| Question |
Were you asked already about your ankle? |
| Maria Sharapova |
No. |
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| Maria Sharapova edged past Alexandra Dulgheru and through to Miami Semis |
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March 29, 2011
Former world number one and current World No. 13 Maria Sharapova of Russia earned a hard-fought victory after three hour twenty nine minutes against the 26th seeded Romanian, Alexandra Dulgheru in three gruelling sets with a 3-6 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in the quarter-final match that finished 20 minutes after midnight of Sony Ericsson Open at Miami, at the Crandon Park Florida on Tuesday night and not only reached the semi-final of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open but also regained her position in Top 10 in WTA Rankings.
Sharapova was stretched to her limits in the contest by the Romanian, who was facing the 13th ranked Russian for the first time. Maria started well in the first set as she took a 3-1 lead but Dulgheru took 46 minutes to win the next 5 games to take the set 6-3 as she successfully converted 4 out of 8 break points and committed only 8 unforced errors as compared to 27 unforced errors from Sharapova. The 23-year-old Russian conceded plenty of unforced errors; including seven costly double faults which wore her out in the opening set. |
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| Maria Sharapova: Does Maria Sharapova Have Her Mojo Back on the Court? |
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March 29, 2011
Maria Sharapova Continues Rolling at Sony Ericsson Open, Has She Regained Her Swagger on the Court?
In 2008, few players had a brighter, more promising future in women's tennis than Maria Sharapova. She had already taken home two Grand Slam titles, at the U.S. Open in 2006 and Wimbledon in 2004, and would add an Australian Open title to her collection that season. |
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| Maria Sharapova is in No Rush to Marry Fiance |
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March 29, 2011
The tennis ace — who got engaged to New Jersey Nets guard Sasha Vujacic in October — insists she isn’t in a hurry to walk down the aisle.
“We’re still very young,” Sharapova said.
“The only thing that really changes, you just know that when you come home, or when you’re done with your travels, you have somebody to come home to.
“It’s always really comforting and nice.” |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Alexandra Dulgheru: 2011 Sony Ericsson Open Quarterfinal Preview |
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March 29, 2011
After lingering on the edge for the greater period of last season, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia seems to be regaining the relentless form in the new season to make up for the lost opportunities quickly. The Russian plays Alexandra Dulgheru in the quarterfinal and certainly enjoys a huge edge over Dulgheru due to her current form...
Sixteenth seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia earned a straight sets victory over Samantha Stosur in her last match and sent a strong messages to her opponents that she is here to test them. Well, it’s good for women’s tennis to see Sharapova coming in her usual form that saw her achieving the numero uno position. Well, the Russian will take on World No. 28 Alexandra Dulgheru of Romania in the quarterfinal of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open, a WTA Premier Event, being played here in Miami. Dulgheru has not a good new season so far. |
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| Tennis Hottie Maria Sharapova Is a Perfect 10 on and off the Court |
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March 29, 2011
Maria Sharapova is back? Given her showings on and off the court in the last few weeks, you'd better believe it.
After injuries nearly derailed what was one of the most promising careers women's tennis has ever seen, a career in which Sharapova netted three Grand Slam titles before she turned 22, the former world No. 1 player is on the comeback trail. |
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| Maria Sharapova on Vogue's ‘10 Best Dressed’ List |
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March 29, 2011
Maria is on this week's Vogue '10 Best Dressed' List for the outfit she wore at the Cole Haan Launch event in Coral Gables last week.
Maria wore a Chris Benz skirt, an Honor top and Cole Haan shoes and bag. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Fourth Round Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| March 28, 2011 |
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| Question |
You said the other day that if you won another slam it would mean more to you perhaps than the previous three. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah.
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| Question |
Why? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Um, because I missed a year being out of the game. I actually didn't really know if I would be back and when and where I would be, at what form, if my shoulder could handle, you know, playing in the tournaments and everything.
Yeah, it was a tough time. You know, you take it for granted every day that, you know, you hit a tennis ball for a living. And then when you can't do it, you realize how much it meant to you and how much it means to you. |
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| Maria Sharapova Powers to Win over Samantha Stosur |
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March 28, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova upturn in fortune and continued her dominance over the Australian Samantha Stosur and continued with a 6-4 6-1 defeat of Sam Stosur in the fourth round. And improved her record to 7-0 against her by earning a straight sets victory at the Crandon Park on Monday of the Sony Ericsson Open.
The Russian has been beset by injuries in recent years, but said last week that she was finally injury free and looking to get her career back on track. She impressed in disposing of Sabine Lisicki in the previous round and continued the good work against Stosur.
Sharapova was still shaky on serve, she surrendered an early break and had to stave off a string of break points. But the forehand was as clinical as ever and her groundstrokes enabled her to reel off her seventh win without reply against Stosur.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Samantha Stosur: 2011 Sony Ericsson Open Match |
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March 28, 2011
Consistently improving to redeem her position in the world of tennis, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova will take on the Australian No. 1 Samantha Stosur in the pre-quarterfinal of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open to secure her berth in the quarterfinal of the tournament. Amidst current state-of-affairs, both contenders need victory in order to boost up their confidence and we can expect a cracking contest.
After an ordinary last season, former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia has been on a resurgence mode and looking more determined and focussed this time to move up in the rankings – as soon as possible. After winning the first three battles, Sharapova is up against the World No. 5 Samantha Stosur in the pre-quarterfinal of the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open, a WTA Premier Event, being played here at Miami, USA. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Third Round Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| March 26, 2011 |
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| Question |
How did it feel out there? |
| Maria Sharapova |
It felt good, pretty straightforward. You know, it was a little tricky with the conditions. You know, she's someone that can fire the ball really well and hits pretty solid from both sides.
She's someone that's beaten top players before, has had a lot of success, so I knew that she would come out, you know, swinging pretty hard and deep. So I just wanted to, you know, be aggressive from the beginning.
I thought I did a really good job with that throughout the whole match. |
| Question |
Are you looking forward to playing Sam Stosur next? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I am. She's a top 5 player, and she's been so consistent, so tough to beat. I really look forward to that. We haven't played each other in a while. Obviously she has a great serve, good all around game, good mover.
Yeah, just, you know, look forward to taking my chances on that one. |
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| Maria Sharapova Eases Through in Miami |
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March 26, 2011
Maria had no problems in the 3rd round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami as she defeated Sabine Lisicki of Germany 6-2 6-0 in 58 minutes.
The beginning of the match was close as there was a series of breaks and the set was tied 2-2 but the match soon swung Maria's way as she broke to lead 3-2 and then took the next nine games to take the match. Maria won the match when Lisicki hit a backhand long. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Sabine Lisicki - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Match Preview |
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March 26, 2011
Maria Sharapova has been in great in this tournament and will play young German, Sabine Lisicki in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open being held at Miami. Both players are ranked outside the top ten in the tournament.
Maria Sharapova has been in great in this tournament and will play young German, Sabine Lisicki in the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open being held at Miami. Both players are ranked outside the top ten in the tournament. |
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| Maria Sharapova Doesn't Care About Her Looks, Wants to Help Next Generation |
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March 26, 2011
The former world number one professional tennis player is not only blonde, beautiful and a staple in men’s magazines like the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Maxim, but she’s a as modest as you can be when it comes to all the attention surrounding her fine physical attributes.
“To be quite honest, I never think about things like that. I think there will always be certain pressures of being in the public eye, but my priority is my tennis and making sure I can be the best player I can possibly be,” Sharapova told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column after the launch of Sony Ericcsson’s Xperia Hot Shots series in Miami this week. “In that instance I am constantly striving for perfection and the only way to do that is to train hard, be extremely disciplined and win tournaments.” |
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| Maria Sharapova's Second Round Interview - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 Miami |
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| March 25, 2011 |
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| Question |
How are you feeling? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Good. Great.
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| Question |
When was the last time you played in Miami? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Three years ago.
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| Maria Sharapova Opens with a Win - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 |
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March 24, 2011
Maria played and won her first match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami since 2007 as she defeated Petra Martic of Croatia 6-3 6-2 in 66 minutes.
Maria's serve was broken once throughout the entire match and she had a solid 75% on 1st serve points won and 63% on 2nd serve points won.
After the win, Maria said: "It has been way too long. This is one of my favorite events. It's crazy I've missed it this many years. I'm just so happy to be back. I love playing in front of this crowd, they're so enthusiastic. They love their sports and have that Latin flavor. It's fun." |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Petra Martic - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 match preview |
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March 24, 2011
Maria Sharapova from Russia has been churning out consistent results in the tournaments this year. She will be playing Petra Martic from Croatia. Both the player are ranked out the top 10 among the WTA Rankings.
Maria Sharapova from Russia has been churning out consistent results in the tournaments this year. She will be playing Petra Martic from Croatia. Both the player are ranked out the top 10 among the WTA Rankings. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Sunny Spring Style |
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March 23, 2011
Maria Sharapova celebrated the launch of her spring collection for Cole Haan at the brand's Coral Gables store last night. In town for the Sony Ericsson tournament, the tennis star slipped her designer hat back on for the evening, sitting for a Q&A session with Vogue's market stylist, Anne Vincent.
Even more than her perfect-for-Miami Air Jasmine Gladiator sandals, we loved Sharapova's downtown spin on spring florals. Tucking a sheer black top into her bright-print skirt and accessorizing with a chunky, dull-hardware belt, she looked season-appropriate but not overly sweet. |
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| Miami Players Party |
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March 23, 2011
Maria attended the Players Welcome Party for the Sony Ericsson Open at Paris Nightclub in Key Biscayne, Florida on Tuesday night.
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| Maria Sharapova's London 2012 Olympics Dream |
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March 22, 2011
Three-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova says that the London 2012 Olympics is a huge target for her as she looks for a long-awaited run without injuries.
The Russian superstar has struggled with shoulder problems in the last couple of years - an injury that forced her to miss out on the Beijing Games in 2008. |
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| Miami Masters Draw Released - Sony Ericsson Open 2011 |
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March 21, 2011
The draw for the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami has been released and Maria is seeded No.16 and has a bye in the first round. In the second round Maria will play either Kristina Barrois of Germany or Petra Martic of Croatia. This match will be played on Thursday.
The first seed Maria can meet is No.18 seed Nadia Petrova of Russia in the third round.
Maria has missed this tournament the last 3 years due to injury but she has played here 5 times before and her best result was reaching the final in 2006. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Huge Sparkling Engagement Ring |
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March 21, 2011
She was there to launch a new web-based TV show that would follow six promising female tennis players throughout a competition.
But all eyes were captivated by Maria Sharapova's huge engagement ring that demanded attention as it sparkled in the Florida sun.
The tennis ace, 23, kept her outfit simple as she took to the stage in cropped cream slacks and a short-sleeved floral blouse. |
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| Maria Sharapova at Sony Ericsson Launches Xperia Hot Shots |
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March 21, 2011
Sony Ericsson today unveiled the six tennis players who have been chosen to be a part of its Xperia™ Hot Shots show with a star-studded event in Miami's famed South Beach.
Activating Sony Ericsson's sponsorship of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Xperia™ Hot Shots is a web-based TV show which will follow the lives of six tennis players as they travel the world on tour.
Sony Ericsson will help the players to realize their dreams by giving them exclusive access to the worlds of music, film, gaming and fashion, allowing them to grow their online fan base, an all-important part of being a modern sporting icon. And at the end of the year, the player that has generated the most support on Facebook will win a Sony Ericsson support deal.
The stunt in Miami, ahead of the Sony Ericsson Open, featured a giant, 36-foot tall Facebook page on which the girls and Sony Ericsson brand ambassador, Maria Sharapova, were revealed to an excited crowd on a stage within the structure.
They were joined by Florida TV celebrity Louis Aguirre and hip hop music legend DJ Jazzy Jeff who played a 90 minute set after the unveiling. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Press Conference after Semi Final at Indian Wells 2011 |
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| March 18, 2011 |
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| Question |
Do you want to assess the match? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, I mean, she played solid and I was really flat. You know, didn't take care of the short balls when I had the chance and let her get back in the points, and that's something I said was going to be important yesterday.
I didn't execute that and just rushed my shots a lot today, I think. I just didn't have a spark. You know, there's not a lot of energy from my side. |
| Question |
Just talk about your serving today. What went wrong? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah. I didn't feel like I had enough pace on it, and then I tried to go for a little bit more. I was making more errors and she was just a lot more consistent. She didn't really go for big serves, but she was just really consistent on it and made me play.
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| Maria Sharapova's Crib Devoid of Tennis Treasures |
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March 18, 2011
California: Maria Sharapova says that most of her tennis treasures from her decade-long career are either tucked away in the back of a closet or out of sight in the basement of her house.
The 23-year-old Russian beauty said that visitors to her luxury California home would be hard pressed to find any signs that she is one of the most successful female tennis players of all-time.
World number one Wozniacki demolished her Russian opponent 6-1, 6-2 in front of a crowd of about 7,000 at the BNP Paribas Open to set up a clash with France's Marion Bartoli.
Sharapova, the No.16 seed this fortnight, came out firing, taking the first two points off of aggressive returns and breaking the No.1-seeded Wozniacki in the opening game; although she stayed the aggressor throughout the match, Sharapova just couldn't keep it up against an in-form Wozniacki, her 41 unforced errors far outbalancing her 19 winners. Wozniacki cruised to victory, 61 62. |
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| Maria Sharapova Demolished by Caroline Wozniacki and out from BNP Paribas Open-2011 - Indian Wells |
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March 18, 2011
INDIAN WELLS ( California) USA: Caroline Wozniacki showed why she is No.1 at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday night. Top seed Caroline Wozniacki blasted her way into the Indian Wells final of the $4.5-million event with a 61 62 semifinal defeat three-time Grand Slam winner and a former No.1 Maria Sharapova. just one service hold in a ruthless display.
World number one Wozniacki demolished her Russian opponent 6-1, 6-2 in front of a crowd of about 7,000 at the BNP Paribas Open to set up a clash with France's Marion Bartoli.
Sharapova, the No.16 seed this fortnight, came out firing, taking the first two points off of aggressive returns and breaking the No.1-seeded Wozniacki in the opening game; although she stayed the aggressor throughout the match, Sharapova just couldn't keep it up against an in-form Wozniacki, her 41 unforced errors far outbalancing her 19 winners. Wozniacki cruised to victory, 61 62.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Caroline Wozniacki - BNP Paribas Open match preview |
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March 18, 2011
Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki will meet in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Friday in what looks like the blockbuster match of the women's tournament.
Wozniacki is into the semifinals having defeated Victoria Azarenka in the quarters as the Belarussian retired very early in the match. Sharapova had a much tougher time in her quarterfinal match as she was extended to a third set against Shuai Peng of China before prevailing. |
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| Maria Sharapova Remembers Chernobyl in Wake of Japan Crisis |
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March 18, 2011
INDIAN WELLS, CALIF. - Tennis star Maria Sharapova is struck by the plight of those exposed to nuclear radiation in Japan, her awareness raised as a result of those impacted still by the nuclear power plant explosion at Chernobyl.
Sharapova, who advanced to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open here Thursday night, was born in Siberia a year after the catastrophe considered the worst nuclear accident ever. Sharapova's parents fled to escape fallout from the Chernobyl explosion 25 years ago.
"Even though something like that happened such a long time ago, it still impacts many people on a daily basis," Sharapova said. "Kids that were born and now are having kids, you find that they have something in their body that's not allowing them to live a normal life from pollution." |
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| Maria Sharapova's Press Conference after Quarter Final at Indian Wells 2011 |
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| March 16, 2011 |
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| Question |
Happy after that? Satisfied? Content? Just okay? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, you know, I'm really happy to be in the semis of this tournament. You know, I felt like I was playing really well for the first set and a half, and then, you know, really let her back in the game.
You know, even 2-0, look at a good second serve, I missed it, and she played some good points. Then after that I was forcing so many things. My first serve -- I was giving her so many looks on second serve.
She's a really aggressive player and puts a lot of pressure on from you the first point, and if you're not the one doing that, you know, it becomes dangerous. That's what happened.
I just started, you know, making too many errors. Yeah. But then, most important thing is I got myself together, and, you know, I focused and regrouped. Yeah, the match is never over till the last point, so, you know, I was really strong, and I'm really happy about that. |
| Question |
That's called experience, isn't it? Match experience? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, but it's also just, you know, realizing the situation and, I guess, battling through no matter how good or bad you were playing, and knowing that you still have many points and games ahead of you and just make the most out of it.
Yeah, there's no reason why - if you did it for that period of time in the beginning, there's no reason why you can't continue it, you know. I knew that in my mind.
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| Maria Sharapova Defeated Shuai Peng and throgn to Semi Final of BNP Paribas Open 2011 |
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March 16, 2011
Maria Sharapova is not only a beautiful Model but also a Tennis Princess is see in fully control and she beats Shuai Peng of China and reached in Semi Final. Maria Have a little problem in Start but after each point she got her confident and after that all thing become easy and easy.
Shuai Peng try and try to come in game but that is totally Maria’s day and she play her game perfectly and in the end she achieve victory against Shuai Peng. In The first set maria start slow and then she break Shuai’s Service and win that game and score was (Maria Sharapova – Shuai Peng 3-2) after that she did not see back and win first set in just 41.05 Minutes. She is in much more accuracy and wins 70% points in First Serve. 1 Aces and 4Double faults there.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Shuai Peng - BNP Paribas Open 2011 Quarter-Final Preview |
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March 16, 2011
Former world number one, Maria Sharapova of Russia will face Shuai Peng of China in the quarter-final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California. An enthralling contest is expected to be seen as both contestants are currently in good form.
World number 36 Peng defeated the 18th seed Nadia Petrova 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, in the fourth round to book a spot in the quarter-finals. Sharapova blew away compatriot, Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-0, in the round of 16 to meet Peng in the quarter-final.
Both contestants have faced each other on two prior occasions, with one victory to each of them. Sharapova first met the Chinese way back in 2005 at Berlin, where she defeated Peng in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1 to qualify for the quarter-final of the event. Their second meeting held after four years at Beijing Olympics where Peng avenged her defeat from Sharapova in front of her home crowd, winning the contest 6-2, 6-4. The head-to-head record of 1-1 for both players suggest that the contest appears evenly poised but the former world number one is always proclaimed to be one of the toughest competitors in women’s tennis. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Press Conference after 4th Round Match at Indian Wells 2011 |
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| March 15, 2011 |
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| Question |
Is there any part of you that can understand or feel empathy with what Dinara was going through out there today? I mean, she's clearly suffering the effects of her injury and loss of confidence. It looked like at one point she was even starting to cry during one of the changeovers. |
| Maria Sharapova |
I didn't notice that. It actually seemed like this tournament she was starting to pick up her game and play a lot better. I think that's what she's been working towards. You know, she hasn't had, you know, the results that she's wanted the last two months and she's trying to find her form, and I think this was the tournament where I think she was starting to, you know, get more confidence.
I don't think she played that poorly throughout the match, actually. |
| Question |
How about your form? It looks like you're starting to get up to a higher and higher level each round. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, I thought that was going to be important today. You know, it was a little unfortunate I didn't win that first game, because I thought, you know, when you're Love-40 on her serve, you know, played a solid game, and I missed that one shot close to the line.
Yeah, but after that I felt like, you know, I stepped it up. You know, I put a lot of pressure on her from the first ball and felt like she was on the defense. That was really important. |
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| Maria Sharapova beats Dinara Safina at Indian Wells 2011 |
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March 15, 2011
Maria is the last player through to the quarter-finals at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells as she has won a spectacular victory over fellow Russian Dinara Safina of Russia in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California on Tuesday night. Sharapova faced no real challenge at all from her opponent, concluding a comprehensive straight sets victory 6-2, 6-0 in just 61 minutes .
Sharapova registered her fifth win of the running WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) season and bettered the head-to-head record against Safina to 4-3 with her win at the Indian Wells. The 18th seed looked in sublime form and completely blew away her opponent to book a berth in the quarter-final round of the Paribas Open. |
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| Maria Sharapova, Dinara Safina to Face off in Indian Wells 2011 |
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March 15, 2011
Russia’s Dinara Safina and Maria Sharapova have advanced into the final sixteen of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, and will now be facing off for a place in the quarterfinals.
Sharapova earlier made easy work of France’s Aravane Rezai and Safina sensationally ousted Australia’s formidable Samantha Stosur.
Nadezhda Petrova, also of Russia, and China’s Shuai Pen, will fight it out for a berth in the quarterfinals. |
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| Maria Sharapova Sets up Safina Clash at Indian Wells 2011 |
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March 14, 2011
Russian Maria Sharapova dropped her first service game against Aravane Rezai, but quickly regrouped to beat the Aravane Rezai of France world No. 22 by 6-2 6-2 and advance to the 4th round of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
After the win, Maria said: “It was very different to my first opponent, who made me hit a lot of balls. This was someone who could hit a winner from any part of the court really. When she's on, she can be one of the toughest players to play against; she had a lot of errors today, though.” |
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| Maria Sharapova's Press Conference after 3rd Round Match at Indian Wells 2011 |
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| March 14, 2011 |
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| Question |
What's the T-shirt? |
| Maria Sharapova |
It's the 25th year of Chernobyl. |
| Question |
Seems pretty appropriate the way things happened. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Crazy, right? Can you believe one disaster 25 years ago? Now another? I heard there's a big cloud coming towards the West Coast.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Aravane Rezai: 2011 BNP Paribas Open Match Preview |
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March 14, 2011
Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai does not seem to be in full form as she has recorded dull performancesthis year. She will be facing former world number one Maria Sharapova from Russia in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai does not seem to be in full form as she has recorded dull performancesthis year. She will be facing former world number one Maria Sharapova from Russia in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Press Conference after 2nd Round Match at Indian Wells 2011 |
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| March 13, 2011 |
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| Question |
Nice start to the tournament? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah. |
| Question |
Long, hard fought match? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah. I haven't played in a long time, and the first set, you know, I felt that a little bit at certain points in the beginning. I was almost a little confused whether I should, you know, be more patient or go for it a little bit more. As I started playing more, I started getting a better feel for her game and for the way I was playing. You know, I came back in that first set and did a good job of, you know, being really aggressive towards the end of it.
In the second set, you know, I had my chances to win the match. You know, maybe played a little bit too risky, went for a little bit more. She played really great defensively throughout the whole match and always made me hit another ball. I stepped it up in the third. So it was a long match and many games, but I think it was a good match for me. |
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| Maria Sharapova Defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues |
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March 13, 2011
Maria defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain 7-5 6-7 6-1 in just under 3 hours to advance to the 3rd round at Indian Wells.
After the win, Maria said: "In the second set I had my chances to win the match; maybe played a little bit too risky, went for a little bit more. She played really great defensively throughout the whole match and always made me hit another ball. I stepped it up in the third. So it was a long match and many games, but I think it was a good match for me." |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Anabel Medina Garrigues: 2011 BNP Paribas Open Match Preview |
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March 12, 2011
Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova of Russia will take on Anabel Medinagarrigues of Spain in the second-round of the 2011 BNP Paribas Open. The Russian is coming back from an injury and must be ravenous to earn her first title of the new season.
Maria Sharapova made a fine start to the new season by reaching the quarterfinal at Auckland and also made it to the 4th round at Australian Open, where she was stunned by 30th seed Petkovic. Afterwards, Sharapova could not play in any of the tournaments due to viral illness. Undoubtedly, Sharapova is considered as one of the most talented players on tour. Well the Russian needs to clinch one or two titles to get back to her typical crushing form. |
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| Maria Sharapova's on Lanvin, Ballet Flats and Red Carpet Style |
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| March 11, 2011 |
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The mega-athlete, who unveiled her redesigned Web site Thursday at mariasharapova.com, caught up with WWDBlog to dish about her favorite brands and must-have accessory.
See below for more on Sharapova's travel essentials and her go-to red carpet designer. |
| Question |
Who are you favorite designers? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Chloe, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Rick Owens, but I travel so much that it depends. A lot of pieces that I have I'm able to wear a lot and layer. I love blazers and jackets and paring them with loose, cool wide legged pants. I'm tall and I feel like I can get away with that a little more. |
| Question |
What about shoes? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I'm always in flats; I'm a ballerina type of girl. I'm obsessed with my Bacara ballet flats from Cole Haan. I don't wear too many heels -- only to an event or dinner or a night out.
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| Maria Sharapova, Abramovich's Girlfriend and Sexy Spy Make List of Russia's Most Beautiful Women |
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March 10, 2011
In honor of International Women's Day, Russian news service Russia Beyond the Headlines (RBTH) has anointed the 12 most beautiful women in Russia. The list includes supermodel Natalia Vodianova (above), Roman Abramovich's gorgeous girlfriend Dasha Zhukova and tennis star Maria Sharapova as well as sexy spy Anna Chapman, who was kicked out of the U.S. last summer following espionage charges. Here's the full rundown of RBTH's Russian beauties; it's unclear whether they're ranked in order of pulchritude, but if so Anna Chapman clocks in high at #3, Vodianova is #4, Sharapova is #5 and Zhukova #6:
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| Maria Sharapova Discusses new Ventures with CNN |
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March 10, 2011
Maria took part in an interview with CNN's Max Foster to discuss the relaunch of her official website and her presence on Facebook.
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| Maria Sharapova's Digital Takeover |
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March 10, 2011
NEW YORK — Tennis star Maria Sharapova is ready to take on the digital sphere with the relaunch of her Web site, mariasharapova.com, today.
Already a fixture in the social media and fashion worlds, Maria Sharapova boasts 3.9 million Facebook fans (more than fellow tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki combined) and ongoing partnerships with Cole Haan, Nike and Tag Heuer.
She regularly updates her Web site, which on average receives about 185,000 visits a month and often peaks at more than 380,000. Monthly page impressions can reach up to 1.8 million.
“I started seeing this incredible trend moving towards the Internet. From a social networking to a business management standpoint, everything is done online,” Sharapova told WWD. “I wanted to create a site that was very accessible to my fans and very easy to navigate. Now, when users go on my homepage, whatever they want to see is right there in front of them. You don’t have to search high and low.”
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| Nike ‘Clash of the Champions’ |
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March 10, 2011
Maria took part in Nike's 'Clash of the Champions' in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday night.
In the singles Maria lost in a tie-break to Victoria Azarenka but she teamed up with Roger Federer in the mixed doubles and they defeated Azarenka and Rafael Nadal. |
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| Looking Forward to Competing Again! |
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March 09, 2011
Hello to all my friends,
So here we are on this amazing Nike private jet flying back to Palm Springs after playing the Exho in Eugene Oregon in front one of the best crowds I have ever been a part of...pinch me now! How lucky are we!
Besides the fact that I had so much fun, I got to play with some incredible champions. Although we are big competitors, it is always fun to play a match where we get to interact with the crowd, enjoy the 'scene', poke fun at McEnroe (how often do we get to do that!) |
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| International Women's Day |
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March 08, 2011
This March 8th, the world will celebrate the 100th International Women's Day.
While women have shattered many glass ceilings, there is still a long way to go.
Of those born into poverty, 60 percent are women. More than 30 million girls have no access to education, and at least one of three women has suffered some abuse in the course of her lifetime.
Studies reveal that educated, healthy, employed women break poverty cycles, not just for themselves but for their families and communities too. |
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| Indian Wells 2011 Draw |
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March 07, 2011
The draw for the BNP-Paribas Open at Indian Wells has been released and Maria is seeded #16 and has a bye in the first round.
In the second round, Maria will face either a qualifier or Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain.
Maria could face #20 seed Aravane Rezai of France in the third round and #4 seed Samantha Stosur of Australia in the fourth round. |
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| Tatler Russia Magazine Featured Maria Sharapova |
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February 25, 2011
Maria Sharapova certainly easy on the eyes, so it’s no wonder Tatler Russia magazine featured and she looks beautiful on the cover of next month's Russian Tattler. Her clothes are another story.
Sarah Thurmond says she looks like Daisy Buchanan. C Note has a more matronly take. I'm more concerned with the blouse tucked in and the hat that makes it look like she should be enjoying the Kentucky Derby.
The tennis pro hottie posed in a number of various ensembles, showing off that natural beauty in each shot. |
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| All-Star Tennis Weekend |
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February 21, 2011
On April 16th, Maria will be at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas for the All-Star Tennis Weekend.
Maria will play an exhibition against Gisela Dulko at the resort in the afternoon and both players will take part in a kid's clinic in the morning. |
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| Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic Pull Out of Qatar Open |
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February 19, 2011
Tennis glamour girls Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic have pulled out of the WTA Qatar Ladies Open beginning on Monday, it emerged yesterday.
Russian Sharapova, a two-time winner in Qatar, has still not recovered from a virus she contracted before the Paris Indoors two weeks ago, while Serbian Ivanovic seems to have had a change of plans after crashing to a first round defeat in the Dubai Open on Tuesday. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Next Match - Qatar Ladies Open 2011 |
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February 18, 2011
Maria Sharapova is idle this week however the Russian superstar is scheduled to be back in action next week.
According to Sharapova's schedule as listed on her home page, she will contest the Qatar Ladies Open 2011 in Doha, Qatar. That tournament is scheduled to take place between February 21st and February 26th. |
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| Maria Sharapova heads to Birmingham in June |
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February 15, 2011
Maria will be heading to the AEGON Classic in Birmingham to play her first grass event of 2011.
Birmingham will run from June 6-12 2011 at the Edgbaston Priory Club and is an International $220K event.
Maria says: "I'm excited to be playing at the AEGON Classic once again. It's one of my favourite pre-slam tournaments and I can't wait to get back out on the grass courts at the Priory Club." |
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| Cole Haan Spring 2011 Collection |
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February 14, 2011
Inspired by the freshness of spring and Maria's feminine yet fashionable sensibility, the Spring 2011 Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan collection gives the girl on the go something to wear for every occasion. A mix of classic silhouettes with a twist and lush, lightweight materials, the collection is simultaneously chic and comfortable - exactly how Maria prefers to feel when she's off the court.
Designed for the woman who appreciates both timeless style and craftsmanship, the collection is defined by a subtle palette of warm hues such as marble and pumice. The super soft leathers and supple shapes give styles like the Air Jasmine Gladiator and the Air Viola Open Toe Pump a fresh spring feel-just the change Maria craves after a winter in boots. Lacing, a signature design detail found in many of Maria's pieces, is woven throughout the footwear and accessories to give them a unique touch. The collection shows an edgy sophistication through its use of washed, embossed lizard print leather for handbags like the Mini Triple Zip Satchel and the Small Hobo. |
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| Hot in Hollywood: Maria Sharapova Sports Illustrated model, Goodwill Ambassador |
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February 12, 2011
Who is Maria Sharapova? She is smoking hot, talented on the tennis court, and a real green celebrity for the world of sports to look up to in the 21st century as a role model. She’s blonde tennis player Maria Sharapova — and according to AskMen.com, she is one of the hottest ladies known in Hollywood.
The mens health and fitness oriented website revealed the following green celebrity details about Maria Sharapova on their list of Top 99 Women, determined by online voter polls. They say: |
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| Maria Sharapova: What Are Her Grand Slam Chances in 2011? |
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February 12, 2011
Tennis fans have in Maria Sharapova the unusual figure of someone who, potentially, is an all-time great. Despite having only three grand slam titles to her name, she has chosen wisely in her winnings, having bagged a Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open, in alternate years (2004, 2006, 2008). But since her last victory at a major three years ago her performance at the very highest levels has been dismal by her lofty standards - she has failed to reach a single quarterfinal since her victory in Melbourne in 2008.
Yet for her, playing at the very highest level, in matches at the biggest occasions, would probably elicit some of her finest tennis. The problem is, she has failed to reach a deep enough stage of a slam to demonstrate any of that aura, grand slam mental finesse, that characterises her game. As of this year, her loss to Andrea Petkovic 6-2 6-3 at Melbourne was simply another instance of her dogging inconsistency - in fact her tournament at Australia this year was not bad, indeed one could in moment begin to see again that old Sharapova determination. But tennis is the sport of the gods, a sport left all too often to the fates: one bad day would ruin it all. |
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| Beauty Hymn of the Tiger Tennis star Maria Sharapova |
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| February 11, 2011 |
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Think Maria Sharapova and one conjures up a vision of length — long legs, long hair, infact the whole nine yards that comes not just with being an international celebrity, but with being young, beautiful and famous. After Hrs asked the luminous tennis star for a tete-a-tete. Because tennis season may be about the game, but who would refuse a chance to get up, close and personal with the eye candy! Excerpts… |
| Question |
Indian duo Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi reached the finals of the men's tennis doubles in the recent Aussie Open — have you met them on the circuit? What do you think of their game? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I unfortunately haven’t had much time to view other players’ games in Australia but I heard their game was spectacular and fun to watch. Most importantly, their story about reuniting after 10 years and be at the top like this is really inspiring. |
| Question |
You are beautiful, and young and already endorsing big brands. Any future plans of acting, or modelling seriously? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I do not know yet what I will be doing when I am done playing tennis, I have not even asked myself this question because tennis is and remains my priority number one and I am only 23: my tennis career is ahead of me.
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| Maria Sharapova To Become Richest Woman In Sport |
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February 11, 2011
MARIA SHARAPOVA is all set to become the richest woman in sport after launching her new line of tennis apparel.
MARIA SHARAPOVA, the championship winning tennis player who is engaged to NBA player SASHA VUJACIC, is set to become the richest woman in sport after releasing a new range of sportswear for Nike, according to the Bleacher Report. The sports star, who is currently battling a virus and may not compete in a forthcoming tournament in France, could earn over $70 million from the new range, which includes her '2011 Australian Open Dress'. Sharapova has signed an eight year deal with Nike and she launched the new line at the Crown Casino in Melbourne last week. The tennis star also showed off her dazzling engagement ring at the event, said to be worth $250,000. Los Angeles Lakers star Vujacic popped the question back in October 2010 after the couple had dated for a year. Speaking recently to People Magazine, Sharapova confirmed that she will be designing her own wedding shoes for the ceremony and when discussing the dress said, "Sometimes you want to go a little bit shorter, but I love when the dress is also long and fluid and you feel really elegant and flowy. It's a really good feeling". |
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| Cole Haan’s Spring Campaign Features Maria Sharapova and Other Non-Models |
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February 10, 2011
Maria Sharapova does ballet chic in Spring 2011 Cole Haan ads. Photo: Courtesy of Cole Haan
For its Spring 2011 ad campaign, Cole Haan has pulled together an eclectic group of people who all have one thing in common: consistent innovation.
The ads, shot by Koto Bolofo in New York and Sarasota, Fla., feature six subjects: tennis star and Cole Haan collaborator Maria Sharapova, songwriter and producer Theophilus London, artist Kate Neckel, and the buzz-worthy entrepreneurs behind culture magazine Dossier, design studio Bureau V and Bamboo Bike Studio.
The ad likely to get the most play in March fashion magazines shows the recently engaged Sharapova reclining against a wall in a white-and-silver tutu dress and dusty purple cardigan, with Cole Haan's butter-soft leather accessories scattered around her. |
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| Maria Sharapova Withdraws from Dubai |
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February 10, 2011
As you know, I have been sick since the weekend (upper respiratory viral illness) and upon seeing the doctor this morning, I have taken his advice and reluctantly had to withdraw from this year's Open GDF SUEZ. I am really sorry about having to pull out of the tournament as I really wanted to play in Paris this year, having received a wildcard Even though I did everything possible to be ready to play, unfortunately, I am just unable to. I would like to apologize to the fans and thank the tournament for being very kind to me and trying to help in every way.
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| Maria Sharapova's Withdrawal from Paris |
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February 10, 2011
As you know, I have been sick since the weekend (upper respiratory viral illness) and upon seeing the doctor this morning, I have taken his advice and reluctantly had to withdraw from this year's Open GDF SUEZ. I am really sorry about having to pull out of the tournament as I really wanted to play in Paris this year, having received a wildcard Even though I did everything possible to be ready to play, unfortunately, I am just unable to. I would like to apologize to the fans and thank the tournament for being very kind to me and trying to help in every way.
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| Maria Sharapova vs Bethanie Mattek-Sands in Paris |
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February 09, 2011
Maria will begin her Open GDF Suez campaign on Thursday against Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States.
Maria has played Mattek-Sands 5 times before and leads the series 5-0, here is their head-to-head record:
- 2002 Pittsburgh $50K Q1R Maria won 6-0 6-3
- 2008 Charleston 2R Maria won 6-0 6-0
- 2008 Roland Garrps 2R Maria won 6-3 3-6 6-2
- 2010 Memphis 2R Maria won 6-1 6-1
- 2010 Birmingham 2R Maria won 6-0 6-3
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| Maria Sharapova Sees Dubai as a Springboard |
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February 06, 2011
Dubai: Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova is hoping that her week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships will provide the springboard to set her firmly back on the road to the top of the game.
Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free, is looking forward to welcoming Sharapova back to Dubai after a lengthy absence from the tournament. |
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| Draw for Open GDF Suez Released |
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February 06, 2011
Maria's next tournament is the Open GDF Suez in Paris, France which begins on Monday. Maria is seeded No.2 and has a bye in the 1st round. In the 2nd round, Maria will play either Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain or Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the United States.
Maria has never played Suarez Navarro before and has played Mattek-Sands 5 times before and leads the series 5-0. The first seed Maria can meet is No.6 seed Andrea Petkovic of Germany in the quarters.
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| Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to take Maria Sharapova's Fed Cup Place |
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February 06, 2011
nastasia Pavlyuchenkova was named to play Alize Cornet in the first reverse singles Sunday in the Fed Cup first-round tie between Russia and France.
The 14th-ranked Pavlyuchenkova substituted for three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, who was originally drawn to play the match.
France stunned highly favored Russia on Saturday, winning both singles matches to take a 2-0 lead in the tie. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Alize Cornet - Fed Cup live preview |
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February 06, 2011
Maria Sharapova will be hoping to keep Russia's Fed Cup hopes alive against Alize Cornet on Sunday.
Saturday's action saw the rankings and form-book turned upside down as France stunned the highly fancied Russians by taking both singles rubbers.
Sharapova's return to Fed Cup action for the first time in three years had attracted much media attention but it proved to be an anticlimax as the struggling Russian subsided meekly against Virginie Razzano. Sharapova had enjoyed a straightforward win over Razzano at the Australian Open just weeks before but her game malfunctioned as she went down 6-3, 6-4. |
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| Maria Sharapova's Interview after Defeated by Virginie Razzano |
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| February 05, 2011 |
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Difficult situation for selecting Russia. With 2 losses left France leading 2-0, Russia now has to win all three games on Sunday. 2 singles and 1 doubles if you want to continue dreaming of the cup. |
| Question |
When was the score 1-4 in the second set I thought it was not the party I had in mind? |
| Maria Sharapova |
I really do not know how it went this way. I thought I had found the game. The first two objectives are entering the game and play well in accordance with this, but have not had time to do it completely. I was giving him confidence and it showed in the last game they played practically on the lines. |
| Question |
It seems that the Russian team was "solid" and that this will translate into a huge problem appears? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yes, today France sack better than us.
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| Virginie Razzano Beats Maria Sharapova |
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February 05, 2011
The Fed Cup started today for the Russian team, and was not the best way.
Bad day for the Russian team, lost her match against Kuznetsova 6-3 3-6 4-6 Cornet leaving much in favor of France 1-0, and leaving all the pressure to Mary, who could not take losing well over against Razzano 3-6 4-6, France leads 2-0, tomorrow Mary will come out to play life by Russia against Cornet, who will be the 1st match of the day.
Svetlana Kuznetsova was the one who started facing Alize Cornet. The meeting appeared to be in the hands of Russian, who had already won the first set by the partial 6 / 3, but what is certain is that it ended the second set with the partial 3 / 6 for the French. In the third set, Kuznetsova was never ahead in the marker than Cornet when he complained of ankle, asking to healthcare. It was not enough for the Russian tennis player took out the win and after two and a half hours of play, Alize Cornet emerged victorious by partial 3 / 6, 6 / 3, 6 / 4. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs. Virginie Razzano- 2011 Fed Cup Match Preview |
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February 05, 2011
Former World Number One Maria Sharapova plays only her second Fed Cup tie after a series of controversies that came along with her selection at the prestigious event when the action starts at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia. The Russian superstar takes on a familiar face in Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano, whom she beat almost a fortnight ago in Melbourne in the pair's second round meeting.
After a nine month injury layoff, Sharapova made a fine recovery and won her first title on return in Tokyo in 2009. More success followed in 2010 when the Russian won titles in Strasbourg and Memphis and also made the finals in Birmingham, Stanford and Cincinnati. This year, Sharapova's gallant run at the Australian Open came to an end when German Andrea Petkovic registered an upset victory over the former champion in the fourth round. Sharapova, however seems to have gained the momentum after a promising 2010 season. |
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| Maria Sharapova Ranked 80th Most Desirable Woman by 'Ask Men' |
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February 05, 2011
After 10 years of tangling with the pros, it's easy to forget that tennis-fixture Maria Sharapova is only 23. The Russian-born hard court beauty has been ranked by AskMen.com among the Most Desirable Women of 2011.
The magazine writes: "As comfortable on the tennis court as she is in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, she rebounded from a 2009 injury and several inconsistent efforts to make the fourth round of both the 2010 U.S. Open and Wimbledon. Finishing the season ranked at No. 18 in the world, Sharapova capitalized on her hot status by inking a record-setting $70 million endorsement contract with Nike." |
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| Fed Cup 2011 Weekend Schedule |
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February 04, 2011
Russia will be taking on France in BNP Paribas World Group first round tie indoors in Moscow. Maria is scheduled to play two singles matches, one on Saturday against Virgine Razzano and on Sunday against Alize Cornet.
Here is the full schedule:
Saturday
1M: Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs Alize Cornet (FRA)
2M: Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs Virgine Razzano (FRA) |
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| Olympics is my Biggest Goal, says Maria Sharapova |
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February 02, 2011
Feb 2 (Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova, who is still looking to rediscover her best form after shoulder surgery, is excited at the prospect of competing at next year's London Olympics.
"The Olympics is my biggest goal in tennis and my dream is to represent Russia in London," Sharapova told reporters on Wednesday.
U.S.-based Russian missed the 2008 Beijing Games due to a shoulder injury. |
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| Maria Sharapova Leads Russia against France in 1st Round |
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February 02, 2011
Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova will play Virginie Razzano on Saturday when Russia hosts France in the first round of the Fed Cup.
In the opening singles match, two-time major winner Svetlana Kuznetsova will face Alize Cornet.
In Sunday's reverse singles, Sharapova will play Cornet, while Kuznetsova will take on Razzano. In the doubles match, the Russian pair of Dinara Safina and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will face the French duo of Julie Coin and Pauline Parmentier. |
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| Nike 'Clash of the Champions' |
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January 31, 2011
Maria, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Serena Williams will be facing off in Nike's "Clash of the Champions' on March 8 at the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.
The event, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., will feature Maria and Williams playing a singles set, followed by a mixed doubles set and concluding with a men's singles set between Federer and Nadal. |
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| WTA Rankings Update |
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January 30, 2011
The new WTA rankings for the week of January 31st have been released and Maria has climbed 3 spots to No.13 and has a total of 2936 points.
In the Race to the WTA Championships , Maria is No.15 with 350 points. The points gained so far in 2011 count for the race for the biggest WTA event at Istanbul at the end of October. |
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| Maria Sharapova's 4th Round Interview of Australian Open 2011 |
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| January 23, 2011 |
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| Question |
Did you feel comfortable out there tonight? |
| Maria Sharapova |
Did it look like it? . |
| Question |
I just didn't think you were quite there. |
| Maria Sharapova |
Yeah, definitely wasn't there. You know, not many things were working. I think it was just one of those days. Yeah, just not a good day at the office.
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| Maria Sharapova Shocked and Knocked Out by Andrea Petkovic |
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January 23, 2011
In this age of uncertainty in women's tennis, with the absence of the injured Serena Williams, you cannot even be sure at this Australian Open that the ball will bounce.
It was just before Maria Sharapova, now the only former champion left at Melbourne Park, started her third-round match against the frisky German player, Julia Goerges, that a dead patch was found on their court. Only after a handyman intervened could play begin. |
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| Absence of a Star Throws Old Certainties to the Wind |
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January 23, 2011
In this age of uncertainty in women's tennis, with the absence of the injured Serena Williams, you cannot even be sure at this Australian Open that the ball will bounce.
It was just before Maria Sharapova, now the only former champion left at Melbourne Park, started her third-round match against the frisky German player, Julia Goerges, that a dead patch was found on their court. Only after a handyman intervened could play begin. |
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| Maria Sharapova vs Andrea Petkovic Preview - Australian Open 2011 |
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January 22, 2011
Sharapova's draw has opened up with the injury to Venus Williams.
Maria Sharapova is into the 4th round of the 2011 Australian Open and she should have firm hopes of making the quarterfinals. If Sharapova can do that it will be for only the second time since she returned from her shoulder injury problems in 2009.
Sharapova's opponent on Day 7 is Andrea Petkovic, a near stranger to fourth round Grand Slam matches. Prior to this season's Australian Open, Petkovic, of Germany, had only made one 4th round match in a major although that was at the recent 2010 US Open. |
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| Empress Maria Sharapova has grand slam designs |
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January 21, 2011
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Like an Empress bestowing gifts on her subjects, Maria Sharapova clothes several of the players she rather less mercifully blows off the world's tennis courts.
The Russian tsarina told Reuters at the Australian Open that, despite branching out into fashion design, her hunger for hitting tennis balls, was undiminished.
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