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Maria Sharapova Puts Off Domination
// Tennis
Maria Sharapova will not become the top tennisist this week. The Russian has missed her chance by giving way to Justine Henin-Hardenne in the quarter finals in Berlin. Svetlana Kuznetsova also lost. Last year's winner Amelie Mauresmo lost to Nadezhda Petrova.
By the time Sharapova took to the court yesterday, it was already evident that Henin-Hardenne was still a major hurdle on Sharapova's way to the victory. All the rest bowed out on their own, Kim Clijsters after she was injured. On Friday, Kuznetsova, whom everyone thought would face Sharapova in the semifinal, unexpectedly lost to Patty Schneider. Kuznetsova was unable to explain what happened and why she suddenly forgot how to play tennis. It was very strange and nothing preceding it gave any warning. Kuznestova made it to the final in Warsaw last week, and her matches went smoothly in Berlin. But then she lost in 52 minutes.
Mauresmo played even less expansively. The upside is that Petrova outplayed her, and besting her in all components. It helped, of course, that it was raining in Berlin and the clay courts, which are slow anyway, became even gooier. Thus, Petrov did not have to knock herself out over game tactics. She played maximally and did not let Mauresmo get ahead, with successful results.
The match between Sharapova and Henin-Hardenne could fairly be called an early final. Sharapova started well, breaking first for 2:0. But that was the end of her performance. Her concerns about standing up to Henin-Hardenne's fantastic stamina, especially on clay, where superior strength offers a limited advantage, were justified. The Belgian easily won six games in a row.
Sharapova often loses opening sets. It is her style and that was what it looked like at first. The second one started better, but she was unable to maintain her advantage. So her ascent to the top has been delayed. Further prediction can only be made after Roland Garros is over.
American Andre Agassi continues to impress at the men's master tournament, taking place in Rome. His wins are not as impressive as is the way they are achieved. He plays with confidence and his age, 35, considerable in tennis and in sports in general, can only earn him respect. His latest victim was Dominik Hrbaty.
That match was also held in difficult weather. It was windy in Rome and the ball was continually flying off the court. Agassi did not force the situation. “Today was very difficult, the wind was moving everywhere," said Agassi. "It was just a matter of making as few errors as possible.” That tactic allowed him to proceed to the semifinal.
Asfati Dzhusoiti
All the Article in Russian as of May 07, 2005
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