VTennis News - Maria Sharapova NewsMaria Sharapova Fitness Concern in French Open Seeded Fourth Maria Sharapova managed to save three match points as she fought back from five two down in the final set to beat American Mashona Washington six two, five seven, seven five in her first round tennis match of the 2006 French Open. Sharapova played in her first match for almost two months since her ankle injury; She looked well defeated and out in the decider but fought back to clinch a second-round clash with Czech Iveta Benesova. Sharapova smashed through the first set however; Washington stormed back into the match, keeping Sharapova off balance with a series of well timed drop shots to level the match. Washington then charged to a five two lead in the deciding set however, the Russian ace saved a match point on her serve and then two more in the next game allowing Maria Sharapova to go on and win all of the last five games to clinch victory in two hours, 26 minutes. "It's like poker. I don't know what cards are going to show up," said Maria. "It was a tough decision to play because Wimbledon is more important than this tournament. But who knows how much better it will be in a week?" "But if I feel that my ankle is not too great and I have to stop, then I have to stop. I'm 19 years old. I'm going to play these Slams for many more years." VTennis Newsletter P.S. - For additional Safety and Security your email address will be encrypted. Email Your thoughts and opinions on Maria Sharapova News to vtennis.co.uk@googlemail.com |