Sharapova started 2006 by losing in the semifinals of the
Australian Open in three sets to Henin, also losing a
rematch several weeks later at the Dubai Tennis
Championships, having defeated former world no. 1 Martina
Hingis and world no. 3 Lindsay Davenport in earlier rounds
of the tournament.
Sharapova claimed her first title in nine months at the Tier
I tournament in Indian Wells, defeating Hingis in the
semifinals and Elena Dementieva in the final. The following
fortnight, she reached the final in Miami before losing to
Kuznetsova.
Missing the entire clay-court season with injury, Sharapova
returned for the French Open. There, after saving match
points in defeating Mashona Washington in the first round,
she was eliminated by Dinara Safina in the fourth round.
On grass, Sharapova was unsuccessful in her attempt to win
in Birmingham for the third consecutive year, losing in the
semifinals to Jamea Jackson. Despite that, she was among the
title favorites at Wimbledon, where the eventual champion
Mauresmo ended up beating her in the semifinals.
Sharapova claimed her second title of the year at the Tier I
Acura Classic, defeating Clijsters for the first time in the
final.
As the third seed at the US Open, Sharapova defeated top
seed Mauresmo for the first time in the semifinals, and then
followed up by beating second seed Justine Henin to win her
second Grand Slam singles title.
That autumn, Sharapova won titles in back-to-back weeks at
the Zurich Open and the Generali Ladies Linz. By winning all
three of her round-robin matches at the WTA Tour
Championships, she extended her win streak to 19 matches,
before it was snapped in the semifinals by eventual champion
Henin.
Sharapova would have finished the season as world no. 1 had
she won the event. As it was, she finished ranked world no.
2, her best year-end finish yet.
Nike Apparel Photoshoot - Maria Sharapova Photoshoot
press image for big size
Biography
Maria Sharapova born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. As of February 25, 2013 she is ranked world no. 3.
Referring to Oklahoma CB D.J. Graham's one-handed interception on fourth down at the Sooner 3-yard line in Saturday's win over Nebraska, Lincoln Riley said he "might have been the first coach in history to challenge a play we got an interception on."
USC plane tips backward on tarmac; nobody hurt
After landing in Lewiston, Idaho, the Trojans' team plane on Friday tipped backward on the tarmac, sending the plane's nose into the air after the grounds crew did not put the tail stand in place. Nobody was injured.
La Russa, Wright suspended for hitting Ohtani
Tony La Russa will serve his one-game suspension on Saturday, while pitcher Mike Wright will appeal his three-game ban for hitting Angels slugger Shohei Ohtani with a pitch in Thursday's game.
NFL hits Browns' Harrison with $12K shoving fine
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. was fined $12,128 by the NFL for shoving Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach Greg Lewis during their game last Sunday.
Saints minus two more assistants amid protocols
The Saints announced Saturday defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and pass rush specialist Brian Young will not be with the team for its second game of the year due to NFL COVID-19 protocols, joining six others from New Orleans coach Sean Payton's staff.
Source: Ozuna again has leave extended by MLB
Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna's administrative leave under the MLB-MLBPA joint domestic violence policy has been extended through Friday, a source confirmed to ESPN.
UCF QB Gabriel suffers broken left clavicle in loss
UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced Saturday that he fractured his left clavicle during Friday's 42-35 loss at Louisville, and there is no timetable for his return.
Eagles lock up DE Sweat with 3-year extension
The Eagles have signed defensive end Josh Sweat to a three-year extension, the team announced. The deal could be worth up to $43 million and includes $26.9 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Scenes from Saquon Barkley's Penn State homecoming
Penn State legend Saquon Barkley returned to Happy Valley for the White Out game -- and was very busy.
NFL Week 2: 15 bold predictions, plus fantasy insight and keys to every matchup
What to watch for in every game. Surprising predictions. Fantasy advice. Stats to know. It's all here for Week 2.
Week 2 injuries: Updates on DeMarcus Lawrence, Ryan Fitzpatrick and more
Our NFL team reporters round up injury updates for key players.
UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Spann -- live updates and analysis
Anthony Smith aims to keep his spot in line at light heavyweight when he faces rising star Ryan Spann.
Week 2's biggest fantasy football questions: 32 NFL reporters give advice
Is Nelson Agholor the Patriots' No. 1 wideout? What's the deal with Brandon Aiyuk in San Francisco? Our reporters fill you in before Sunday's games.
Who'll follow Salah into Premier League's 100 Club next? Mane, Sterling, Ronaldo?
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah became the 30th member of the Premier League's 100 Club. Who will be the competition's next goal-scoring centurion?
Kane needs to remind Spurs of his quality after summer saga
Harry Kane has been underperforming. Sunday's clash vs. Chelsea would be the perfect time to hit form.
With the Bears facing the Bengals' Joe Burrow, the topic of starting Justin Fields rages on
Bears fans see rookie QBs starting elsewhere, so why wait on Fields? But it's not always that simple, as ESPN's Bears and Bengals reporters discuss.
Patriots-Jets rivalry goes to Gen Z at QB: Mac Jones, Zach Wilson
For the first time in the 62-year history of the series, these teams will start rookie QBs against each other.
Shaquille O'Neal's now $16.5 million Florida mansion is still on the market -- and underwent a huge makeover
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's Florida mansion underwent a big makeover in hopes of attracting potential buyers.
'He's a true heavyweight now': Oleksandr Usyk ready for Anthony Joshua
If Oleksandr Usyk defeats Anthony Joshua, he'll be a unified heavyweight champ, and a hero's welcome will be assured back in his native Ukraine.
How to watch NHL games on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and Hulu
Everything you need to know about how to watch the NHL on ESPN networks.
Barcelona's decline is no surprise, it's their new reality
Barcelona's poor form isn't an anomaly right now, but a reminder of how far the super-club has fallen, and there's little anyone can do.
Transfer Talk: Man Utd have inside track for Dortmund's Bellingham
Manchester United are in pole position to sign Borussia Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Young stars, steady veterans, top keepers
Sean Allen's dynasty rankings will help you weigh potential keeper trades and draft picks.
Vettel, Stroll to stay with Aston Martin in 2022
Aston Martin has confirmed it will retain Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll for the 2022 Formula One season.
press image for big size
