Maria Sharapova photosite
Beautiful Russian Tennis Player - Maria Sharapova
Catalog
Others photos
Watch EXCLUSIVE photos Maria Sharapova.
Tennis News

Roland Garros 2012 - Maria blasts into history books

There was only one moment here yesterday when doubt crossed Maria Sharapova's face during her quest to win the French Open title for the first time – and it came moments after completing her 6-3, 6-2 victory over Sara Errani.
"Would you please welcome the runner-up," the on-court announcer said at the presentation ceremony. "Maria Sharapova!" For a nano-second the thought seemed to cross Sharapova's mind that her victory had been a cruel dream, but Errani, an ironic smile on her face, rose to receive her trophy.
The world No 24, who was the lowest ranked player to reach the final here since the rankings were launched 37 years ago, never looked capable of stopping Sharapova's quest to become the tenth woman in history to have won all four Grand Slam titles.
The Russian had too much power and too much experience of the big-match occasion for an opponent who had never gone previously gone beyond the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament and had won only one match in five previous visits to Roland Garros.
Four and a half years after winning her last Grand Slam title, Sharapova has completed her comeback in style, her first Roland Garros title complemented by her return to the No 1 position in tomorrow's updated world rankings list.
The 25-year-old, who has topped the list of the world's highest-earning sportswomen since 2004, hardly needs tennis given her blossoming interests in fashion and business, but has worked tirelessly after spending nine months out of the game following shoulder surgery four years ago.
Just as impressively, she has learned to master clay, a surface on which she once admitted made her feel like "a cow on ice". Sharapova described this victory as "surreal, the most unique moment I've experienced in my career".
She explained: "I never thought I would have that. When I won Wimbledon at 17, I thought that would be the most treasured moment of my career, but when I fell down on my knees today I realised that this was extremely special, and even more so.
"I proved that no matter how many punches I took in my career, I've always got back up. I never made excuses for me, not to myself, not to people. I always relied on my own talent, on the help of my team. At the end of the day, that's really what gets me through and gets me up. I have a tremendous amount of belief and pride in what I do. I love my work. I love playing tennis.
"I could have said: 'I don't need this. I have money. I have fame. I have victories. I have Grand Slams'. But when your love for something is bigger than all those things, you continue to keep getting up in the morning when it's freezing outside." Now the Russian would love nothing more than to win her second Wimbledon title in four weekends' time.
Asked if winning here might give her inspiration at the All England Club, Sharapova said: "What do you think? I'm going to retire? This is going to give me so much motivation." Errani, who will jump 14 places to No 10 tomorrow, has proved herself a great battler over the last fortnight, but the 5ft 4in Italian was all too often overpowered by the 6ft 2in Russian, who belted 37 winners to Errani's 12.
When Sharapova raced into a 4-0 lead there were fears that this might be as one-sided as some other recent women's Grand Slam finals, but Errani demonstrated her fighting spirit, even if it took double faults by the Russian in one game to launch her comeback. Errani recovered to 4-2 and saved two set points when serving at 2-5, but Sharapova was not to be denied, converting her third set point in the following game by cracking a backhand winner down the line.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Sharapova again took the initiative, breaking serve in the opening game, before Errani demonstrated some resilience. Sharapova broke serve for the fifth and final time to serve for the match at 5-2, though once more her opponent refused to lie down. A superb forehand winner by Sharapova when at full stretch set up the first match point, which she failed to convert by hitting a forehand long.
An ace created a second, which Errani saved with an audacious drop shot. The crowd, who were warming to the contest, broke into a chant of "Sara! Sara!" Sharapova, however, moved to match point number three with another ace and this time Errani's attempted drop shot fell into the net. Sharapova sank to her knees and held her head in her hands before looking around in apparent disbelief.
The Russian's post-match celebrations often seem choreographed, but on this occasion she could not stop jumping up and down in a show of pure joy. Her journey back to the top has been long and difficult, but this made it all worthwhile.
Biography
Maria Sharapova born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. As of February 25, 2013 she is ranked world no. 3.
Sport News

'It's just impossible to get to': The Joker, Dirk and guarding the unguardable shot

Dirk Nowitzki, the godfather of the one-legged fadeaway, sees shades of his signature shot in Nikola Jokic.

Deal broker: Equity for golfers loyal to PGA Tour

The players who left for LIV would not be able to participate in the new company's equity plan, according to Jimmy Dunne, who also said a committee that includes current PGA Tour members would determine potential punishment for players who left.

Sources: Nuggets get package of picks from OKC

The Nuggets are two wins from their first NBA title but are still planning for the future after acquiring three draft picks in a trade with the Thunder, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Mets lose Alonso for 3-4 weeks due to ailing wrist

NL RBIs leader Pete Alonso has a bone bruise and sprain of his left wrist and is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.

Celtics' G. Williams undergoes left hand surgery

Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams -- who'll be a restricted free agent this summer -- had surgery on his left hand Friday that's expected to have him fully recovered for the start of NBA training camp in the fall, sources told ESPN.

Blue Jays DFA Bass before team's Pride Weekend

Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass, who made headlines last week for sharing an anti-LGBTQIA+ post on social media, has been designated for assignment. The move comes before the start of the team's Pride Weekend.

49ers group strikes deal for full Leeds takeover

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has reached an agreement to sell his stake in the club to 49ers Enterprises, the second-tier English side said Friday.

Rodgers wraps 'fun' OTAs with perfect attendance

After attending every day of Jets OTAs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers referred to the start of his New York tenure as "about the most fun I've had in a while."

Chicharito suffers torn ACL; set to miss season

Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has suffered a a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the LA Galaxy announced Friday.

The Aaron Boone Show? Manager turning run-ins with umps into an 'art form'

Think the Yankees' skipper gets ejected a lot? You bet he does. And not only do his players love it, some umpires even find it amusing.

Change is a constant in Istanbul but can Inter upset Man City?

Man City are very much favorites to win the Champions League but neutrals love an underdog.

Saluting Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles ahead of WNBA jersey retirements

Before Seattle retires Sue Bird's jersey and Minnesota hoists Sylvia Fowles' jersey to the rafters, our writers share their favorite stories of the legends.

What went wrong for Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open?

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz looked unstoppable -- until the unexpected got the best of him.

Who will win the French Open women's final?

No. 1-ranked Swiatek has cruised through this tournament and has history on her side, but Muchova has a Cinderella story for the ages. We break it down.

The complicated story of Sabalenka at the French Open

Sabalenka played some lights-out tennis, but that's not what was dominating the conversation around her.

Ranking the GOAT's fights: The top 5 matches in Amanda Nunes' storied career

The Lioness has established one of the greatest resumes in the history of the sport.

Superteam? Bad for softball? Call Oklahoma what you want but OU's dynasty isn't stopping any time soon

They don't care about your fatigue or being "bad for the game of softball." OU is a dynasty that plans to last.

OU softball joins list of NCAA title three-peaters

Sooners softball joins Stanford men's gymnastics as the only NCAA Division I programs with an active three-peat.

Rats off to ya! Why Panthers fans throw plastic rodents on the ice

It's a tradition that goes back to 1996 and the club's first run to the Stanley Cup Final. Here's how it all started.

Why the Big Ten ditched divisions and protected 11 games to make room for USC and UCLA

With USC and UCLA joining the conference in 2024, the Big Ten is changing things up and we're here to clear up some lingering questions.

UFC champ Brandon Moreno to appear at major lucha libre event in Tijuana

Moreno will take his talents to Tijuana for a major lucha libre event the week after his title fight against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.

'Do I still got it?': What has happened to Teofimo Lopez?

Teofimo Lopez gets another title opportunity on Saturday night, but his battle outside of the ring remains his biggest fight.

Who wins after Messi's MLS move, and let's talk about Saudi Arabia's multibillion-dollar plan

What Messi's move to Miami means for MLS, and taking a closer look at Saudi Arabia's grand plans to sign the world's top players.

Transfer Talk: USMNT's Pulisic keen on AC Milan move from Chelsea

Chelsea and USMNT winger Christian Pulisic is interested in a move to AC Milan. Transfer Talk has the latest.

Every top club wants a No. 9 striker, but who are the best options?

As the transfer window edges closer, most top clubs are looking to sign a new No. 9 striker.

MLB Power Rankings: An AL showdown for the No. 1 spot

There's been a clear No. 1 for the majority of the season -- but there might be a new face vying for the title of best team in baseball.

Who is Spider-Canada from the new 'Spider-Verse' movie?

Only one of the many Spider-people in the new "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" movie is carrying a hockey stick and wearing a Canadian national team sweater. Here's how the character came to be.

Le Mans' revival is a once-in-a-generation transformation

The 24 Hours of Le Mans' marquee Hypercar class has more than tripled in size since 2022, and the buzz in the grandstands has grown commensurately.

Everything we know about the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LIV Golf agreement

Although there are still many details to be worked out, here's what we know and don't know about the new partnership between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Aliyah Boston making quick transition to the WNBA game

The latest fantasy news, notes and stats you need to know for each of the 12 WNBA teams.

Dana Evans among most overlooked options

Our experts explain which players around the WNBA are the most overlooked options.

Fantasy football X factors: Eight players who could be difference-makers in 2023

Matt Bowen lists players with questions surrounding them, but also the potential to be fantasy difference-makers to varying degrees.

Rankings: Eric Moody's top 200 for keeper leagues

Rankings with a three-year perspective in mind, which is a shorter window than in dynasty formats.

Weekend preview: Altitude meets aptitude for San Diego hitters

Our fantasy baseball experts take a quick peek ahead to the upcoming weekend of action and highlight what they're looking forward to watching.
Copyright © 2013 Maria Sharapova's Photosite - All Rights Reserved