Sharapova Battles Back to Win Madrid Open

May 12, 2014 | By Brian Coleman
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Maria Sharapova delivered a furious comeback defeat to Simona Halep in the Mutua Madrid Open final 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday, capturing her second WTA title of the season.

The Russian came out flat in the first set, holding her serve just once and allowing Halep to dictate the action. Sharapova committed 15 errors compared to Halep’s five, as the Romanian cruised to a 6-1 first set victory.

Things would change early in the second set, as Halep became inconsistent with her serve. Sharapova was able to counter and keep Halep running baseline to baseline, converting both of her break points to bring the match even at one set each.

Once evened up, Sharapova seized control by breaking Halep’s serve early in the third set. Her powerful serve became too much at that point, and she would go on to win the match 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 to win her first-ever Mutua Madrid Open title.

“I don’t know how I pulled it off,” said Sharapova. “I came close last year, and I didn’t have a great first set today, but I knew it wasn’t over until the last point was played.”

Sharapova is now 11-0 on clay this season, and 46-3 on clay since losing to Li Na in the 2011 French Open. She has positioned herself to be a favorite in the upcoming French Open, and will likely rise to No. 7 in the updated WTA rankings.


Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
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