Aces and Faults: Maria Sharapova Wins Title at the Zurich Open
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Oct 23, 2006 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Aces
Maria Sharapova captured her fourth title of the 2006 season and fourteenth overall yesterday at the Zurich Open in Switzerland. Daniela Hantuchova put up a tough fight in the Tier I final, but last month’s US Open champion prevailed in three sets 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. Cara Black and Rennae Stubbs won the doubles title with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Liezel Huber and Katarina Srebotnik.
Justine Henin-Hardenne is working hard in hopes of playing the season-ending Championships in Madrid. Her official website has a new photo gallery of her work-out and practice sessions. (Training October 2006)
Ana Ivanovic has announced her tentative schedule for the 2007 season on her website. (Provisional 2007 tournament schedule)
The heads of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open met recently for a series of top-secret talks. Hat tip to Bob Larson’s Tennis News and the Times Online. (Grand-slam executives meet for secret talks)
Jelena Jankovic reached a new career high of No. 12 in the world this morning, along with Anna Chakvetadze who jumped up to No. 13. The only change in the top ten was Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder and Martina Hingis swapping ranking spots. Hingis moved up to No. 8 and Schnyder dropped down to No. 9. (Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Rankings)
Faults
Local hero Martina Hingis participated in the Zurich Open, but it did not bring the tournament record crowds. Oddly enough Maria Sharapova was not much of a help either. (Zurich Open fails to reach attendance goal despite participation of Hingis)
America’s top stars are still struggling on the rankings. Lindsay Davenport is down to No. 18, Venus Williams is at No. 53, and Serena Williams is almost once again out of the top 100 at No. 97. (USA Singles Rankings)
On Court
LINZ: Alona Bondarenko vs. Jill Craybas (Qualifying Final), Shahar Peer vs. Marion Bartoli, Samantha Stosur vs. Maria Kirilenko
Be sure to check out the rest of today’s schedule at the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s Order of Play page.
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Sapphisto | Oct 23, 2006 | Reply
I’m trying really hard to be noble, here, but… I can’t summon any enthusiasm for a Sharapova win. The idea of Masha the Basha winning tournaments is quite frankly depressing to me.
I’d have loved to see Dani win - she gave it her best shot, though. Too bad.
Aaress | Oct 23, 2006 | Reply
Daniela put up a great battle, and it was good to see someone get a set off of Maria. That was only the second set she’s lost since July.
It looks as if Maria might just be headed into the Championships as the player to beat.
Sapphisto | Oct 24, 2006 | Reply
Blech, blech, ugh!!!
LOL, ok, I’ll behave.
And yes, Dani did put up a great fight, she had some great moments in that match and I’d love to see her kick Shriekie’s behind sometime soon in revenge. It was also very nice to see such a gracious runner-up; good for her.
Nexty | Oct 24, 2006 | Reply
Yeah that’s what Ame thinks!
about Masah