Maria Sharapova won her twentieth career singles title on Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.
The former world number one captured her first victory of the 2009 season after Jelena Jankovic retired injured in the final.
Jankovic, the seventh seed at the Premier tournament, was forced to quit at 5-2 in the opening set because of a right wrist injury.
“It was a tough start today. Jelena started off so strong. It was my second final of the year and I was a bit nervous,” Sharapova said. “But I played well enough this week to know I could give her a good match. I wanted to keep fighting out there and unfortunately Jelena had to stop. I wish her a speedy recovery, and hopefully we can play again soon.”
Sharapova is projected to rise from No.25 to No.15 on Monday’s updated Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings.
Alisa Kleybanova and Francesca Schiavone beat Daniela Hantuchova and Ai Sugiyama in the doubles final 6-4, 6-2. Tokyo marks the last tournament of Sugiyama’s career; she played her first tournament in 1990 and made it as high as No.8 in the world in singles (six Tour singles titles) and No.1 in the world in doubles (38 Tour doubles titles).
It’s great to see Maria back in the winners circle. Would be great to see her another Grand Slam
I want to see you winning FRENCH open so that your gramslam carrer would be finished
I’m very pleased that 2009 hasn’t passed without Maria winning a title. Would be great to see her complete her Career Grand Slam by winning the French Open.
Maria’s long healing injury allowed her time to focus on other things..life outside tennis…evidence, her very successful line at Cole Haan. I was concerned that with so much time away and so many distractions she would have a hard time resurfacing at the top of the game. This win is one giant step in the right direction. Congrats!
WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!! Love to watch you play!!!!