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.
Sharapova's opponent, Russian Anna Chakvetadze is currently ranked No.52 in the world and has 8 WTA singles titles to her name. Chakvetadze's best Grand Slam performance came in 2007 US Open when she reached the semifinals before losing to eventual finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova. Chakvetadze's best Wimbledon result so far is a pre-quarterfinal finish in 2008.
Both players have competed six matches before and Williams has an over-whelming 6-0 lead in the head-to-head. In the pair's previous meeting, Sharapova posted a straight sets win in the semifinals of the tour championships back in 2007.
Sharapova is undoubtedly a favourite in this match but is up against a player who once enjoyed a career high No.5 ranking. The three time major champion should come out a winner in two closely contested sets though.
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