Maria Sharapova
7 6 2
Dinara Safina
6 7 6


Most likely candidate to win Wimbledon?








Posted by: Marco

Russia's Maria Sharapova came through a tricky test against Amy Frazier to reach the fourth round, as she powered to a 6-3 6-2 victory.

The 2004 champion faced an obdurate opponent in Frazier but at nearly half a foot taller, Sharapova's superior power proved to be the difference.

Sharapova broke Frazier's serve and then held off some spirited resistance to take the opener.

And two breaks in the second set were enough for Sharapova to seal the win.

With the match coinciding with England's World Cup quarter-final, the pair played to a noticeably smaller crowd than that which witnessed Andre Agassi's Wimbledon farewell in the previous encounter on Centre Court.

Those who chose to stay away missed an impressive display from fourth seed Sharapova as her usual power from the baseline was interspersed with some delicate touches.

Sharapova's forehand provided her with a stream of winners, despite Frazier's tireless chasing down.

Frazier never let her head drop in desperately difficult conditions - temperatures soared to more than 30C - but ultimately lacked the weapons to hurt Sharapova.

Sharapova said the win had boosted her confidence for the rest of her Wimbledon campaign.

"I got a little bit confused - she'd hit a big serve then follow it up with a double fault. It knocked me out of my rhythm," said Sharapova.

"I had a good workout. She's a pretty solid grass-court player and I had to really work for the match.

"But that definitely makes me feel confident going into the fourth round."


Leave a comment


lupe Jul 01, 2006 at 22:20

next round will be very very tough for maria, penetta and her have played once before and that went the distance three sets. she cant keep her guard down its only going to get tougher now.
good luck

Avatar

1

mike Jul 01, 2006 at 23:08

well, cant say much cause espn cut off their coverage but just keep it going Maria and you should do fine. one point at a time, one game at a time, one set at a time, one match at a time. Let's Go Maria!!!

Avatar

2

JoJo Jul 01, 2006 at 23:33

I am so glad that you beat Amy. I did not get to watch it, ESPN cut the coverage off before the 1st set ended(way before the match ended). I knew you could do it. Keep on being confident and consistent!

Avatar

3

Wester Moraes - Brazil Jul 02, 2006 at 00:11

Maria,
Well done and keep on doing the best you can playing stronger than the oponent and more wisely.
Love, Wester

Avatar

4

mike Jul 02, 2006 at 00:53

hi maria welldone on reaching 4th rould you have done well in the tournament so far keep it up

Avatar

5

jose Jul 02, 2006 at 01:56

I realize espn just cover american matches but most of them are gone so we can watch other players.

Avatar

6

SIMON Jul 02, 2006 at 02:12

GOOD LUCK AND TRYING TO WIN WIMBLEDON

Avatar

7

k Jul 02, 2006 at 03:10

You are doing great
now is the time to prove you are our favourite

Avatar

8

thalai Jul 02, 2006 at 08:54

I couldnt see the match but still knew it would end in the grass queen sharu's favour.....and the next two rounds will also be cakewalk gor sharu since i feel that pennetta and dementieva are not going to post any threat whatsoever to the queen.....as i always keep saying,semis and finals hold the key for our champion..

this time i m sure she is going to get the coveted plate.

ALL THE BEST to sharu on behalf of all her fans...

Avatar

9

nico Jul 02, 2006 at 10:19

well done maria...
keep up at the good work...my true champion...

Avatar

10

Haseeb Jul 02, 2006 at 10:20

HI,WELL DONE.I KNOW YOU CAN BE NO.1 JUST NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR OPPONENT.BE FOCUS. I AM SUPPORTING YOU.BEST OF LUCK.

Avatar

11

flory Jul 02, 2006 at 10:45

well done MASHA....go on sharu!!!!

Avatar

12

ioni Jul 02, 2006 at 12:51

it's not gone to be easy from now on!what if she will meet mauresmo? did she ever beat her? henin-hardene or clijsters ? i don't know if she is that good ! i want her to win much than anyone but if she is not agrresive i don't know good luck masha and hope for the best

Avatar

13

wilman Jul 02, 2006 at 17:26

ho maria adorada congratulatins ceras coronada reina de wimblentm te amo eres mi diosa wild de suramerica

Avatar

14

popa adi Jul 03, 2006 at 20:26

I was sure that Maria wins.Penetta is not so hard for her.Probably,Henin,but GOD loves Masha!

Avatar

15