Thursday, April 5, 2007

Top-seeded Maria Sharapova, who had eight double faults, lost in 58 minutes at the Sony Ericsson Open

It was less a match than a memorandum of what Serena Williams is capable of when she puts her mind behind her might. Covering the court like a tarp, Williams suffocated top-seeded Maria Sharapova in 58 bloodless minutes Tuesday in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open.The final score was 6-1, 6-1, and from high above Crandon Park’s Stadium Court, it looked more lopsided. Before the first point was tallied, Sharapova seemed to sense that she was in for a long afternoon. She kept hitting serves after the chair umpire called, “Time,” indicating the end of warm-ups. Whatever she was searching for, Sharapova did not find it, committing eight double faults.On the other side of the court, the 13th-seeded Williams was hitting on all cylinders. Her ground strokes were so grooved that Sharapova seemed to be swatting at bugs. In the sixth game of the first set, Sharapova hit a running forehand for a winner (one of eight she had) and Williams was so surprised she reflexively applauded.By the end of the afternoon, both No. 1-seeded players were gone. Guillermo Cañas, a qualifier, sent the defending champion, Roger Federer, packing for the second consecutive tournament with a 7-6 (2), 2-6, 7-6 (5) victory. Cañas’s win came 16 days after he snapped Federer’s 41-match winning streak in a second-round match at the Masters Series event in Indian Wells, Calif. Federer, who had won both tournaments the previous two years, committed 51 unforced errors to Cañas’s 15.“You know, it happens,” Federer said. “I was really happy with my level of play. I thought it was a great match, so it was disappointing to lose.”Williams was delighted to win as emphatically as she did. With every stroke, she seemed to be issuing a rebuttal to those who openly wondered if her 6-1, 6-2 victory against Sharapova in the Australian Open final had been a fluke.“I think a lot of people might have thought it was a one-off,” said Williams, who played in only four tournaments in 2006 because of injuries. “I don’t know anyone who’s won eight Grand Slams and had so many doubters in their lives. I guess just me.” She laughed ruefully. “It’s O.K.”Williams can play the media as if they were another opponent, showing humility, hostility, humor, warmth, eloquence and indifference all in one 15-minute interview. The chip on her shoulder is not an affectation but another accessory, along with the heavy hoop earrings and gaudy gold jewelry and designer handbags, that she seldom leaves home without.She uses every slight — real and perceived — to her advantage, channeling her feelings of hurt and rage into her tennis.Williams’s sense of being a perpetual outsider despite everything she has achieved in tennis was driven home to her Monday afternoon in her match against Lucie Safarova when a heckler in the stands peppered his diatribe with a racially derogatory term.The fan was escorted from the grounds, but not before everybody within earshot got a sense of how discomfiting it can be to walk in Williams’s sneakers. Her sense of alienation bubbled to the surface Tuesday when she was asked about a trip she took last year to Africa.Williams, who was born in Michigan and raised in California and Florida, toured Senegal’s Goree Island on the west coast and visited impoverished villages in Ghana as part of a Unicef delegation.“When we first landed, we had a layover in Nigeria, and I couldn’t wait,” Williams said. “I wanted to get out of the plane and just take off my shoes and start running and never come back because I just felt at home and at ease.“I mean, I’ve never felt so comfortable physically and just like mentally,” she added. “I can’t even explain it. It’s like this whole aura that just surrounds you. That’s just how I felt. I’ve never been in a place where I felt happier ever.”Williams’s voice, which had been a monotone when she was talking about tennis, grew more animated as she talked about opening a school in Senegal on land donated by the nation’s president, Abdoulaye Wade, whom she met.“If I can provide one kid with hope,” Williams said, “even if it’s just one person, it makes a whole big difference in life.”In the hallway outside the interview room, Williams’s father and coach, Richard, talked about how sad it was that his daughter should feel more at home abroad, but he said he was not surprised. “Americans here don’t think we are Americans,” he said.“If we are Americans, we sure aren’t treated like it,” he added. “Rats, roaches, even rabbits are treated better than we are here.”When he was done speaking, Richard Williams walked out to the players’ valet parking area and, surrounded by luxury sedans and expensive sports cars, he lighted a cigarillo and smoked it.

World number one Maria Sharapova retired in the second set of her Pan Pacific Open semi-final against Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic due to a hamstring injury.


Ivanovic will play second seed Martina Hingis in the final of the 1.3 million dollar tournament after the Swiss beat Russian Elena Dementieva 6-4 6-3.Sharapova, trailing 1-6 1-0, said she felt a sharp pain after serving in the second game of the first set, adding that she had been carrying a hamstring strain since the Australian Open.‘’It’s always difficult to end the tournament this way,’’ the 19-year-old Russian told reporters.‘’My left hamstring has been having tightness since the Australian Open but after a Grand Slam you are tight all over,’’ said Sharapova, who lost to Serena Williams in the Melbourne Park final last weekend.Hingis avenged her defeat by Dementieva in last year’s final to stay on course for a record fifth Tokyo title.‘’I had a bad experience against her in last year’s final and I was happy to get more than two games,’’ said Hingis, who lost 6-2 6-0 to Dementieva in 2006.

Maria Sharapova Super sexy

Maria Sharapavo Fails To Block Documentary
Tennis ace Maria Sharapova's bid to halt a documentary that features footage of her has been blocked by a Miami, Florida, judge. The Russian-born blonde feared fans would mistake the film for an official documentary, and claimed it violated trademark laws.
However, a federal judge ruled yesterday that production company Byzantium Productions Inc. could distribute both "Anna's Army" and a second documentary, "Russian Women's Tennis."
Peter Geisler, the company's vice president, said, "We're thrilled to have this all over with. It's been a long battle - they destroyed our business. This should allow distribution to continue, but my guess is that it's most likely too late."

More glamour to the Dubai Tennis Championships with Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis and Serena Williams

Hantuchova confirmed for Dubai Duty FreeDubai: Daniela Hantuchova will once again add glamour to the Dubai Tennis Championships when she joins Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, Martina Hingis and Serena Williams at the grandest tennis extravaganza in the Middle East.The popular 23-year old Slovak is always a threat against any opponent, last season claiming victories over Serena Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Patty Schnyder. But perhaps her best performance was against Maria Sharapova in the Zurich final, when she took the reigning US Open champion to three sets.But there is far more to Hantuchova than tennis. Although you might think she would find it intimidating to compete in huge stadiums, the experience of playing in front of a big crowd is nothing new for her.When she was younger she was as good at playing classical music on the piano as she is now at playing tennis. Like tennis, she had to spend countless hours practising. And like tennis, she eventually had to play in front of lots of people.
Strong challenge"I did some pretty big concerts, and I can tell you I've never, ever been so nervous in my life," she said. "When I was about 13 or 14, a couple of hundred at least would be watching, maybe a thousand. It was scary stuff, but it prepared me well for the tennis circuit so it was good."I really enjoyed playing. It was very difficult time-wise because I had my school in the morning, tennis practice, then piano, then tennis again and then study in the evening. So I was finishing my day at 11, 11.30pm."Every day was like that from eight o'clock in the morning, and I loved it because there wasn't any one second I had some free time."I couldn't understand the kids when they were saying they were so bored. I never knew anything like that."Hantuchova has proved she can excel in whatever she does, and she is certain to offer a strong challenge against anyone she meets in a week of top-class tennis action."Daniela is one of the most delightful people we have welcomed to Dubai, and it is a pleasure to have her amongst us once again," said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament organisers Dubai Duty Free."As well as being a top singles player she has twice reached the doubles semifinals here, and her many fans in Dubai will be thrilled to welcome her back."Play begins at the Dubai Tennis Stadium on February 19 with the Dubai Duty Free Women's Open, and continues with the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open on February 26 when Spain's Rafael Nadal defends his title against three-time former champion Roger Federer, charismatic Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis and rising star Novak Djokovic.

Sharapova gives cash for Chernobyl recovery


Maria Sharapova, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund and donated $US100,000 ($NZ146,000) to help victims of Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear disaster.At a crowded press conference, Sharapova, 19, said she gave the money to eight UN development projects in rural communities in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine for youths still suffering from the April 1986 Chernobyl power plant explosion.The world's worst nuclear accident spewed clouds of radioactive dust into parts of Europe, Russia and especially Belarus, making large areas uninhabitable."My first step is to focus on the Chernobyl-affected region, where my family has roots," Sharapova said. "Today, it is poverty and lack of opportunities that pose the greatest threat for young people in the Chernobyl region."Sharapova's family left Gomel in Belarus after the Chernobyl accident. She was born in Siberia a year later but left Russia for the United States at age 9 to study tennis. She won Wimbledon in 2004 and the US Open in 2006.Sharapova earned nearly $US19 million last year in advertising endorsements and prizemoney, according to Forbes magazine.

Sharapova, Serena Pull Out Of Dubai Event


Dubai, UAE -- (Sports Network) - World No. 1 Russian Maria Sharapova and Australian Open champion Serena Williams of the United States will skip next week's Dubai Duty Free Women's Open.The U.S. Open champion and Aussie Open runner-up Sharapova is nursing a hamstring injury, while the former world No. 1 Williams, who upset Sharapova in last month's championship match in Melbourne, is battling the flu, which forced her to miss this week's tournament in India. Williams' victory over Sharapova last month gave her an eighth Grand Slam title. Sharapova has performed in the last two major finals, including a big victory in New York last year.

Sharapova, Serena Williams


Tennis NewsFlorida, Feb 16: Australian Open finalists Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have both withdrawn from next week's the Dubai Tennis Championships due to injury. No. 1 Sharapova will not play the $1.5-million event due to a hamstring injury she suffered several weeks ago in Tokyo."I'm very disappointed to have to withdraw," read a statement from the Florida-based Russian. "The hamstring that I injured in Tokyo is not yet healed."I tried everything possible to be in condition to play, but unfortunately I'm not ready. I'm looking forward to continuing to recover as quickly as possible so that I can get back on the court competing."Melbourne winner Williams continued her February string of withdrawals, having not played since lifting the Grand Slam nearly three weeks ago over Sharapova 6-1, 6-2.The American followed up her pullout from this week's tournament in Bangalore by pulling from Dubai, citing flu. Justine Henin, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Martina Hingis head the women's field.The men's event begins the following week of February 26th, where Spain's Rafael Nadal will defend his title against three-time former champion and world number 1 Roger Federer.Also confirmed for that field are Russian number 3 Nikolay Davydenko, Spain's Tommy Robredo, and German Tommy Haas. Five of the world Top Ten are due in the emirate.

Maria Sharapavo Fails To Block Documentary


Maria SharapovaTennis ace Maria Sharapova's bid to halt a documentary that features footage of her has been blocked by a Miami, Florida, judge. The Russian-born blonde feared fans would mistake the film for an official documentary, and claimed it violated trademark laws.However, a federal judge ruled yesterday that production company Byzantium Productions Inc. could distribute both "Anna's Army" and a second documentary, "Russian Women's Tennis."Peter Geisler, the company's vice president, said, "We're thrilled to have this all over with. It's been a long battle - they destroyed our business. This should allow distribution to continue, but my guess is that it's most likely too late."As well as footage of Sharapova, the films also boast interviews with Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and Chris Evert.

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova


# On the Forbes 2006 Richest Young Celebrities List, it is reported she earned $18.2 million in 2005. She was the highest-paid female athlete of the year.# Car company Land Rover has signed her to a three-year deal that one source said is worth approximately $2 million a year. (April 4, 2006)# Became number 1 in the world in August 2005 & is the first Russian player to become the best player in the world.# Won the 2004 WTA Championships, defeating Serena Williams 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the final to pocket one million dollars and win a new Porsche Cayenne to donate to a charity of her choice.# Was the youngest titlist on the WTA Tour in 2003 with two championships under her belt.# Signed with IMG Models in November 2003# Born in Siberia, Russia, and raised in the United States since age seven. Father Yuri brought her to the U.S. in 1994, but mother Yelena didn't join them until two years later due to visa problems.# Was (and still is) so ambidextrous that she almost became a left-handed tennis player.# Her loudest grunt was measured at 101.2 decibels (louder than a motorcycle or a lawnmower) on 21 June 2005 at Wimbledon Centre Court. Previously the loudest grunt was by Monica Seles at 93.2 decibels.# According to the LA Times and Orange County Register, Maria said at a press conference she has grown a few cm this year and is now 6' 2. She's been having back pains and has had to pull out of some tournaments due to the pain which she thinks is from a growth spurt.# Sometimes credited as: Maria Yuryevna Sharapova# Nickname: Masha# Trade mark: Plays right –handed; 2 handed backhand# Used to be called the Siberian Siren because of her extremely loud grunting whenever she hit the ball.# Coached by her father Yuri Sharapov and Robert Lansdorp.

Maria Sharapova, best looking female athlete of 2006


The Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova has been chosen as best looking female athlete of 2006 by the prestigious Sports Illustrated magazine.Second place went to American volleyball player Gabrielle Reece and third place to another Russian tennis player, famous Anna Kournikova(although she hasn't been competing for 4 years now).The top 20 is almost entirely made up of Russian and American girls, including another two tennis players, Daniela Hantuchova and Anastasia Mishkina, but also athletes, skaters, surfers or swimmers.Maria Sharapova has also recently been declared most elegant athlete by Vogue magazine.

Serena Williams will play at Daniel Island in FCC


Serena Williams has added the Family Circle Cup to her comeback tour in 2007.Serena Williams, reigning Australian Open champion and winner of 27 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour titles including eight Grand Slam championships, has officially entered the 2007 Family Circle Cup. Currently ranked No. 15 in the world, she will be making her fourth appearance at the Tier I tournament in Charleston. As a former World No. 1 player, Serena is one of only 15 women since computer rankings started in 1973 to hold that top honor. She will join four other players (Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin, Amélie Mauresmo and Martina Hingis) in Charleston this year that have held that elite spot in women’s professional tennis. The Family Circle Cup scheduled for April 7-15 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina now boasts five of the top six players in the world."Serena’s performance at the Australian Open last month was remarkable and it showed us all how determined and focused she is on getting back to the top of her game," noted Robin Reynolds, Family Circle Cup tournament director. "Serena has certainly been a crowd favorite here in Charleston over the years and we are delighted to have her back. If fans want to see the best in women’s tennis then Charleston is definitely the place to be this April."Since her arrival on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Serena Williams has captured the world’s attention as a top player whose power and athleticism has elevated women’s tennis to a new level of competition. With over $1.25 million in earnings this year, Serena has returned to the top of her sport in stunning fashion with a convincing victory over six seeded players, including the tournament’s top seed and current World No. 1 player Maria Sharapova, at the 2007 Australian Open. With over 325 match victories, over $17 million in career earnings, and having spent nearly seven consecutive years as a Top 10 player, Serena is always a contender in each event she enters."I’m really looking forward to starting my clay court season at the Family Circle Cup," Williams said. "Charleston is a great city to visit, and I’ve always enjoyed playing the tournament."

Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title Defense


Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title DefenseExtending its relationship with the sport of tennis and Maria Sharapova, Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that they will bring the style and substance of the Canon PowerShot brand to the West Coast as Host Sponsor and official camera and photo printer of the Pacific Life Open, March 5th - 18th, in Indian Wells, Calif."The sponsorship of the Pacific Life Open gives us an ideal West Coast showcase for our exciting new line of PowerShot digital cameras and another chance to put the spotlight on our sponsorship of Maria Sharapova," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president, general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon's relationship with Maria has been a perfect match. Maria's style and substance is unmatched and has helped Canon link its products, specifically the PowerShot brand, with an elite icon who continues to raise her profile on and off the court."During the tournament, which is the second most attended tournament in the United States, Canon will host a product showcase featuring Maria Sharapova, who is the tournament's defending champion and World's number one ranked female player, Tennis Channel personality Murphy Jensen, and the Maria Sharapova look-alikes as they unveil Canon's new line of PowerShot digital cameras on the Tennis Garden Village stage."I'm looking forward to helping Canon introduce the next generation of PowerShot digital cameras," said Maria Sharapova. "Canon has been a great partner not only for the sport of tennis, but in supporting me as we both strive to be the best."Canon will also have a booth in the Tennis Garden Village with a tennis timeline highlighting the history of Canon photography and Maria Sharapova, life-size Maria Sharapova cutouts where fans can take and print photographs, and a display of Canon's PowerShot digital camera line including the latest ones to be unveiled at the tournament. New cameras on display will include:In addition, Canon will offer a full line-up of innovative and diverse programs and activities during the tournament, including well marked photo stations entitled "Beauty Shots" where fans can snap photographs in front of the beautiful natural backdrop throughout the tournament venue, and a "Shoot Like a Pro" sweepstakes that will allow one fan to experience the photography pits like a professional photographer. Canon will also have the popular Maria Sharapova look-alikes on-site canvassing the grounds, taking photos with fans and participating in daily giveaways at the booth.As a Host Sponsor, Canon will also receive significant on-court signage, a full-page advertisement in the tournament program and sponsor an in-stadium "Canon Shot of the Day" promotion, which will run on the stadium video screens throughout the tournament.

Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title Defense


Canon to Serve as Host Sponsor for the Annual Indian Wells Tennis Tournament and Support Spokesperson Maria Sharapova in Her Title DefenseExtending its relationship with the sport of tennis and Maria Sharapova, Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that they will bring the style and substance of the Canon PowerShot brand to the West Coast as Host Sponsor and official camera and photo printer of the Pacific Life Open, March 5th - 18th, in Indian Wells, Calif."The sponsorship of the Pacific Life Open gives us an ideal West Coast showcase for our exciting new line of PowerShot digital cameras and another chance to put the spotlight on our sponsorship of Maria Sharapova," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president, general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Canon's relationship with Maria has been a perfect match. Maria's style and substance is unmatched and has helped Canon link its products, specifically the PowerShot brand, with an elite icon who continues to raise her profile on and off the court."During the tournament, which is the second most attended tournament in the United States, Canon will host a product showcase featuring Maria Sharapova, who is the tournament's defending champion and World's number one ranked female player, Tennis Channel personality Murphy Jensen, and the Maria Sharapova look-alikes as they unveil Canon's new line of PowerShot digital cameras on the Tennis Garden Village stage."I'm looking forward to helping Canon introduce the next generation of PowerShot digital cameras," said Maria Sharapova. "Canon has been a great partner not only for the sport of tennis, but in supporting me as we both strive to be the best."Canon will also have a booth in the Tennis Garden Village with a tennis timeline highlighting the history of Canon photography and Maria Sharapova, life-size Maria Sharapova cutouts where fans can take and print photographs, and a display of Canon's PowerShot digital camera line including the latest ones to be unveiled at the tournament. New cameras on display will include:In addition, Canon will offer a full line-up of innovative and diverse programs and activities during the tournament, including well marked photo stations entitled "Beauty Shots" where fans can snap photographs in front of the beautiful natural backdrop throughout the tournament venue, and a "Shoot Like a Pro" sweepstakes that will allow one fan to experience the photography pits like a professional photographer. Canon will also have the popular Maria Sharapova look-alikes on-site canvassing the grounds, taking photos with fans and participating in daily giveaways at the booth.As a Host Sponsor, Canon will also receive significant on-court signage, a full-page advertisement in the tournament program and sponsor an in-stadium "Canon Shot of the Day" promotion, which will run on the stadium video screens throughout the tournament.

Sharapova Sitting Pretty: Indian Wells WTA preview


With three of the top five women missing in Indian Wells, Maria Sharapova is the prohibitive favorite to win the title.You have to figure that Maria Sharapova, the Pacific Life Open’s defending women’s champion, gave one of her signature fist pumps after she looked at this year’s draw. The 96-player field has some conspicuous holes. There’s no Justin Henin. Kim Clijsters bagged the tournament, no doubt counting the days until her summer wedding and impending retirement, and local favorite Lindsay Davenport is home, no doubt counting the days until she gives birth to her first child. Amelia Mauresmo is a no-show. Venus and Serena Williams have been MIA since 2001.And Elena Dementieva, who brings the game’s shakiest serve and perhaps the strongest ground game, pulled out on Wednesday with a stress fracture in her right rib and could be out for six weeks.All that leaves Maria Sharapova as the prohibitive favorite to repeat in the desert. Among the 96 players, she has the most big-time experience.But don’t cancel those DVR recordings of the women’s matches just yet. While the draw is wide open for the world No. 1, she has been a bit shaky of late. Her run to the Australian Open final was fraught with serving woes and in the final, she betrayed an inability to find a second gear when Serena Williams dictated the points. At her next event in Tokyo, she was forced to pull out of her semifinal match due to a left hamstring strain.She says she’s healthy for a run at Indian Wells, where she’ll not only be defending her title but also the No. 1 ranking. Although Henin isn’t playing, she’s only 33 ranking points behind Sharapova and will take over the top spot if Sharapova fails to reach the semifinals.There are a few talented players who could end Sharapova’s reign at the top. One of them is Jelena Jankovic. She’s been posting strong results so far this season, winning Auckland and reaching the final of Sydney, and scoring two semifinal showings, too. If the emotional Serb can keep her focus, she could give Sharapova trouble – they’re in the same half of the draw.And aside from Sharapova, there are many other Russians to keep your eye on. Last year’s finalist, Elena Dementieva, brings the game’s shakiest serve and strongest ground game, and she plays well on the hard courts. Nadia Petrova, a virtual unknown to U.S. fans, won five singles titles in 2006 and captured Paris Indoor this year.It’s hard to figure out the No. 2 seed, Svetlana Kuznetsova. She’s a feisty, hard-hitting player, with the 2004 U.S. Open on her resume. But her results over the last two years have been all over the place. Still, she’s definitely a threat.Much has been made of the younger generation but most have yet to break through and score that big win. Into that category fall Nicole Vaidisova – the most talented of the pack – Ana Ivanovic and Tatiana Golovin. Their breakthroughs could come here, but the sleeper picks at Indian Wells go to two lesser-known players, Dinara Safina and Anna Chakvetadze.Marat Safin’s sister, Safina, won the Gold Coast title this year, and like big brother, she has a big game. Then there’s Chakvetadze. Three years ago, she wasn’t even in the Top 300; now she’s ranked No. 11. Last year alone, she won her first two tour titles and boasted wins over the likes of Safina, Dementieva, Jankovic, Ivanovic, and Petrova. Chakvetadze, whose goal is to make it into the Top 5, is on the other side of the draw from Sharapova, and she’ll certainly be a player to watch as the tournament progresses.

Maria Sharapova ousted from Indian Wells, loses No. 1 rank


Defending champion Maria Sharapova served 13 double faults against fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva, losing 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and costing her the No. 1 ranking at the Pacific Life Open on Tuesday.
Andy Roddick, the lone American left in the tournament, advanced to the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over Richard Gasquet of France. Roddick's game was particularly sharp in the second set, with his serves, groundstrokes and volleys all clicking.
Roddick finished the match with a 133 mph serve down the center stripe for his 15th ace.
Sharapova was beaten in the fourth round and needed to reach the semifinals to remain No. 1. She will be supplanted by Justine Henin when the rankings are updated on Monday. Henin, who was not at this tournament, won two recent events in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Daniela Hantuchova repeated her 2002 final victory over Martina Hingis, this time winning 6-4, 6-3.
In men's play, second-seeded Rafael Nadal routed former No. 1 and fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1, 6-1.
Sharapova served for the match at 6-4, 5-4 but won only a point.
"After that I just deflated a little bit," Sharapova said.
Zvonareva won the last four games of the second set, and the first four of the third set. Sharapova broke Zvonareva to end the streak but lost her next service game by delivering two double faults, bouncing her second serve into the net on one of them.
Moments later, Zvonareva clinched a berth in the quarterfinals with her third win against Sharapova in seven matches.
Asked about the problems with her serves, Sharapova said, "Yeah, there were a lot of wrong things going on today. That was just one of them, especially in the third set. But it was more of a snowball effect than anything else."
Sharapova was under pressure in her third event this year. After reaching the final in Melbourne, she strained a hamstring in the semifinals of the Tokyo Indoors event more than a month ago.
Hantuchova, whose sole title was here five years ago, handed third-seeded Hingis her earliest defeat at Indian Wells in seven visits. Hingis, who won on debut in 1998, also came up one win short of passing US$20 million (euro15 million) in career earnings, and joining Steffi Graf, Lindsay Davenport and Martina Navratilova in that elite group.
Fourth-seeded Nadia Petrova retired with heat illness while trailing 6-2, 1-0 against Tatiana Golovin, leaving the Frenchwoman to meet Austria's Sybille Bammer, who defeated Serbia's Ana Ivanovic 6-7 (6), 6-0, 6-3.
Li Na of China eliminated seventh-seeded Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 7-6 (1). The Serb took only two of 14 break chances, while Li claimed all three of hers, and breezed through the tiebreaker.

Sharapova delighted to play part in equality movement


There was a sumptuous dinner here on Tuesday night to celebrate the securing of equal prize-money everywhere that matters in women’s tennis and, we are assured, the great and good of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour did not indulge all the extra cash wining and dining themselves.One should never forget that, after a good night out, there is usually pain the next morning and such was the reaction yesterday that one of the main strands of the 2009 Road Map proposals designed to enhance the tennis calendar has been cut. Of the four combined events scheduled in addition to the four grand-slam tournaments in two years’ time, that in Shanghai in the autumn was regarded as the Asian jewel.As part of the quid pro quo for losing its Masters Cup host status in 2009 — London is considered a possible venue but no means a certainty — Shanghai’s organisers were verbally promised that they could stage one of the revamped, ten-day combined tournaments. Having got wind of this probability, representatives from the China Open in Beijing have made a money-no-object move to whip the red carpet from beneath Shanghai’s feet.Losing a friend like Shanghai would be a bitter pill. But this reflects a feeling of unease creeping through the sport. The ATP last night announced the end of an experiment with round-robin tournaments after only five events and the return of all men’s events to the traditional knockout format. The ATP said that a 32-man hybrid format caused confusion, creating problems on deciding which players would progress from the round-robin stage.After the widespread disapproval of the round-robin format, a 60-strong petition has been signed by the leading male players deploring the idea that the Monte Carlo Open, a tournament steeped in tradition and regard, will lose its Masters status in this proposed brave new world.Rafael Nadal, the defending Monte Carlo champion, and Tommy Robredo, his Spanish compatriot, were those arguing the case that the championship has to stay as it is, which would throw the planned changes into chaos. It is thought that Roger Federer and Andy Roddick, hardly of the clay-court genre, have signed.The new purple courts here are a perfect reflection of the colour of the cheeks of those trying to drive forward changes in the sport. Maria Sharapova suits any colour. When a call came through last week from Larry Scott, the chief executive of the WTA Tour, she was reluctant to take it, because she does not like to be interrupted when shopping. But the news was that funds for next year’s spree would be more generous, because the four grand-slam tournaments had fallen into line and agreed financial equality with the men.Sharapova says she has never really looked at her cheques, only principle matters. The Russian can lay claim, though, to being one of the primary factors in the women’s cause, for no one could seriously doubt her abilities or the desire to make the most of them.The world No 2 has played three tournaments in 2007, reaching the final in the Australian Open, where she was blown away by Serena Williams, and was a little stunned last week by Vera Zvonareva, her Russian compatriot, in Indian Wells. “We all have grey moments but I don’t go in for pity parties,” she said. “It is a part of life, I realise I can’t be on top form all the time. Just because I’m not No 1 at the moment isn’t something I worry about on a daily basis.”Andy Murray has arrived here in a better frame of mind, and slightly improved physical shape, than when he left California. The British No 1’s chiropractor, Jean-Pierre Bruyere, has also arrived in Florida. Now comes the test of playing against Paul Goldstein, who is a regular practice partner, in the second round tomorrow, having received a bye.

Maria Sharapova Seeking to Get Back on Top in Miami


MIAMI, FL, USA - An absolutely packed field heads south this fortnight for the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open, arguably the biggest event on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour calendar outside of the four Grand Slam tournaments.Maria Sharapova is the No.1 seed at the $3.45-million, Tier I tournament. The Russian teenager hasn't won a title so far this season, but has still shown solid form, her results including reaching her third career major final at the Australian Open. And she has also been impressive on the hardcourts of the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, notching back-to-back runner-up finishes the last two years. After a first round bye, she will open her campaign against either doubles breakout star Chan Yung-Jan or feisty Spaniard Nuria Llagostera Vives.The world's current No.1 player, Justine Henin, is seeded No.2 this fortnight. With Sharapova's early loss at Indian Wells, Henin regained her top ranking this week, but not in time for the seedings here. Regardless, she can't be overlooked as a top threat. The Belgian is coming off back-to-back title runs in the Middle East at Dubai and Doha, and despite never going truly deep into the Miami draw (her best showings have been quarterfinal finishes, in 2003 and 2005), she seems to be playing some of her best tennis in recent weeks. She also begins her quest in the second round against American teen Vania King or China's Sun Tiantian.One year ago, Svetlana Kuznetsova announced her return to the game's elite with a title run at this tournament, and she certainly hasn't slowed down since. She finished 2006 tied for first among match win leaders and, among other feats, reached her second major final at Roland Garros. She had a rocky start to 2007 but in the last few weeks has recaptured some of her best form, reaching finals at Doha and Indian Wells. And this week she rose to No.3 on the rankings, making her just the fourth Russian ever to crack that elite. She'll begin her title defense after a first round bye against either Japan's Aiko Nakamura or a qualifier.Playing for the last time in Miami will be another one of the tournament's former champions, Kim Clijsters. Two years ago, the Belgian followed up an Indian Wells victory with a victory here, reasserting herself as one of the world's top players after a lengthy left wrist injury lay-off. She has had a stellar yet selective beginning to the year; she has played only three events but has put in excellent performances at all three, winning at Sydney, reaching the Australian Open semifinals and reaching another final in front of her home crowd in Antwerp. Seeded No.4 at this year's event, she will begin her quest in the second round against either Japan's Akiko Morigami or Canadian wild card Aleksandra Wozniak.Whereas Russians Sharapova and Kuznetsova are defending finalists (with Kuznetsova beating her compatriot in straight sets, 64 63, for the title last year), the two Belgian stars both dropped their opening matches last year to a pair of American players, Henin to former Top 15 player Meghann Shaughnessy in straight sets and Clijsters to veteran Jill Craybas in a dramatic three-setter.Perhaps some of the biggest threats to the title aren't among the Top 4 seeds; three players with incredible pasts at this tournament are a trio of its former champions, namely No.5 seed Martina Hingis, No.13 seed Serena Williams and an unseeded Venus Williams. Hingis is 28-6 lifetime here, with titles in 1997 and 2000; the younger Williams is 35-5 here, with titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and the elder Williams is 33-5 here, with titles in 1998, 1999 and 2001. Between them they are 96-16 here and won all eight titles between 1997 and 2004.Unfortunately for the three former world No.1s, they are all in the same half of the draw. And even more unfortunately, the Williams sisters are in the same eighth of it along with Sharapova; Venus could face the Russian top seed in the third round, with the winner of that potentially facing Serena in the fourth round. Hingis looms as a semifinal opponent, though she would face defending champ Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals, should the seedings hold.One of the more prominent threats among the seeds is Daniela Hantuchova, who comes in fresh off a dream run to her second career title at Indian Wells. The No.16-seeded Slovak will have to overcome a dismal lifetime record at the Tier I event, however; she is 2-7 in seven career appearances here, never going beyond the third round. She is in Henin’s section of the draw.Also among the Top 16 seeds are Russians Nadia Petrova, Anna Chakvetadze and Dinara Safina, Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, Czech phenom Nicole Vaidisova, China's Li Na, Swiss Patty Schnyder and Israel's Shahar Peer.This is the 23rd year that the stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour have made their way to Miami. The champion takes home $492,950, while the runner-up earns $246,485. (WTA)

Serena beats Sharapova


Serena Williams reacts during her victory against top-seeded Maria Sharapova at the Sony Ericsson Open at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park on March 27, 2007.Serena Williams reacts during her victory against top-seeded Maria Sharapova at the Sony Ericsson Open at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park on March 27, 2007.* What is it about Serena?It took 58 minutes Tuesday afternoon for Serena Williams to assure Maria Sharapova -- and everyone else on the women's tour -- that her stirring Australian Open victory over the former top-ranked Russian was no fluke.In fact, Williams beat Sharapova even more thoroughly this time. She made the typically ferocious Russian look ordinary and frustrated during a 6-1, 6-1 victory in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne.The last time they played, two months ago in the Australian Open final, Williams beat Sharapova 6-1, 6-2. In other words, over the two tournaments, Williams leads 24 games to five.When the torturous match was finally over for Sharapova, who double-faulted eight times, she practically sprinted off the court. She already was well into the tunnel when the stadium announcer asked the audience to give her a hand.Williams, meanwhile, was prancing around with a giant smile and her index finger raised to the sky. On paper, she is the world's 18th-ranked player, but in her mind, she is still No. 1, as she was in 2002-03. She said coming into the match that when she's playing her best, the only people who can beat her are the men on the ATP tour.It's hard to argue after watching her 120-mph serves, her perfectly struck shots into the corners, and her tenacity. The reason her ranking dropped is that she played only four tournaments last year because of injuries. Television commentator Mary Carillo said if Williams played on a regular basis, ``she'd be Roger Federer.''''I think a lot of people might have thought [the Australian Open] was a one-off,'' Williams said. ``I don't know anyone who's won eight Grand Slams and had so many doubters in their lives. I guess just me. It's OK.''Asked if she expected Tuesday's match to be so easy, Williams grinned and said: ``Haven't you learned that I expect the best of myself? I expect nothing less.''Sharapova was gracious in defeat, saying women's tennis is ''definitely'' better when Williams plays, and that Williams has ``the most consistent serve at a big pace.''Williams took control of the match early, and Sharapova never looked comfortable. Williams won 22 of the final 28 points, much to the delight of the crowd.''Once she gets up in the set or in the match, she seems to steamroll,'' Sharapova said. ``I think I pushed a little bit too much. She served the corners really well, and also on the second serve didn't give me a lot of balls to work with. I didn't feel I had a chance to really step in and hit my shots. She was controlling most of the points.''One person who was not surprised by the manner in which Williams won was Andy Roddick. He said he predicted to a sportswriter this winter that Williams would dominate in 2007.''I said she was going to kill everyone this year,'' Roddick said. ``I talked to her in the offseason and she seemed to be pretty fed up with losing to people she didn't feel like she should be losing to, and she had that little bit of an edge in her voice. When she starts talking like that, you probably should take her seriously.''And Serena's sister, Venus, too, Roddick said.''Everybody kind of sleeps on them, and Venus comes out and wins Wimbledon in '05 and nobody takes Serena seriously and she wins the Australian Open in '05,'' he said. ``Everyone starts sleeping on her again last year, saying she's done and finished, and I think she's into proving all you guys wrong.''Williams' next opponent is No. 8 Nicole Vaidisova.''Here I go again,'' Williams said. ``I have to play another top-10 player who's playing great tennis. This was a win, but this wasn't the final. I have to be ready for the next round.''