Saturday, July 03, 2004

Maria Sharapova

17-year-old Russian Maria Sharapova defeated back-to-back Wimbledon champion Serena Williams to win her first major tournament. Already known for icewater in her veins, Sharapova sliced clean through the first set 6-1. Williams was first to break serve in the second set, but Sharapova broke right back, then broke Serena again to go up 5-4 and serve out the match.

By all accounts, Sharapova has more drive and more poise than former hopeful Anna Kournikova. Her second Wimbledon appearance confirmed she has more game.

Until the Ladies' final, this year's rain-soaked Wimbledon had held little interest for me. Most of the names I know have retired or are considered past their prime. Catching this match in its entirety, I got to see Sharapova play with the grace and focus lacking in much of today's tennis.

No comments: