The hard nose that Maria Sharapova developed when she was sent from Siberia to Florida as a seven-year-old to train under Nick Bollettieri has been on display for all to see at this year’s Australian Open.
Coming back from shoulder and leg injuries that hampered her in 2007, the Russian glamour girl was on a mission from the first round, menacing her opponents with an anger, brutality and efficiency that suggested this tournament was always going to be hers.
And so it is.
The 20-year-old is the Australian Open champion for 2008 after she turned to her angry, brutal and efficient best to up-end Serbian Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 6-3.
When Sharapova—who didn’t drop a set all tournament—took the title on her third match point it was welcomed by only polite applause from a crowd and a tennis public that is yet to warm to her.
The tall Russian has been a sullen figure these two weeks, gracing the court with all the charm and joie de vivre of an arthritic undertaker.
Her public relations nightmare worsened after her quarter final win over world number one Justine Henin when her boorish father Yuri Sharapov—a card carrying member of the Overbearing Fathers of Professional Tennis Players Club—was seen performing a throat-slitting gesture at the match’s conclusion.
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“You guys will find fault in everything,” Sharapova later told reporters in a tone that indicated she could care less.
Not that winning hearts and minds is more important that winning games, but if Sharapova ever does decide to go down that road—a transformation Andre Agassi was able to achieve—she could do worse than follow the example set by Ivanovic.
The stunning Serb has been a delight all tournament, smiling and laughing her way through interviews and writing a daily column in a Melbourne broadsheet newspaper that has been both entertaining and illuminating.
No one for a second thinks it is actually her who is slaving over a laptop to make deadline, but the gesture is nonetheless one of someone who not only sees herself as a player but also as an ambassador for her sport and country.
Aussie crowds always adopt a favorite daughter at this event—as much a result of the parlous state of local women’s tennis as it is their love of a winner—and Ivanovic warmed to the role in this southern Australian city, home to not only her trainer but her extended family as well.
A Grand Slam title—and maybe a post-tennis career in modeling—is definitely in her future but today she was outclassed by an opponent seemingly bent on avenging last year’s final when she was thrashed by Serena Williams.
Although only seven months separate the two players, Ivonovic lacks Sharapova’s experiences as shown by her 33 unforced errors to Sharapova’s 15.
The Russian beauty won Wimbledon at 17 in 2004 and added the US Open title two years later.
Today’s match was just Ivanovic’s second Grand Slam final and her first on a hard court.
She is a talent for sure but needs to improve her mobility, volleying and develop a backhand slice to complete her game.
On the other hand, Sharapova, who won her first 16 points on serve today and was broken just once, is the finished product and stands a good chance of adding a fourth slam before the year is out.
Her off-court game, though, needs a hell of a lot of work.
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7 months ago
you moron magoT! I hate ausie pipol....... Bias in favor of serbians... I see enough, her is something u dont notice that the serbs player were cocky, plastic and arrogant, and wid no respect to thier opponents i hope u know wat i mean. They play deception fooling audiences esp. australians.i think ur a serbian or an ausie.. WTF... but i guess ur right in one point.. That yuri's attitude is off the record. Damn I hate him!!!!!!!!! I wish maria to change her citizenship us a us. But I think of all the serbian players only jelena jankovic is the one i admired the most... I hope Dyoker will lose the macth! and coz his so cocky! not even close on wats FED has already achive but he speaks louds and act like the words greatst player! dummy! Federer is always the best no doubt bout it! daaaaa.
7 months ago
I have no idea what my friend 'chingcorn' is talking about, but I have been following tennis for years and have worked @ numerous tennis events held in Toronto. The women player's - who play second seed - to the men are usually the media darlings of the tour. Nationality has nothing to do with popularity..personality will make or break these fine, some beautiful, young athletes with fans and media alike. Hickey's article is very factual, I watched this final on TV and have followed the Aussie Open throughout all the rounds. These two athletes - Sharapova and Ivanovic - are wonderful players, and even though they are both 20 year olds Sharapova has way more media savy than the emotionally younger and nervous Ivanovic. Sharapova, who we all liked as a youthful, fresh-face on the ladies tour is now turning into a spoiled and very rich daddy's girl, who - whether she cares or not - is about to become public enemy number one on the ladies circuit, unless as Hickey suggests she reports immediately to the Andre Agassi Image Makeover Academy in Las Vegas! Bollettieri did not teach her respect and sportsmanship, that's becoming very apparent as she matures. Having the killer instinct is one thing, but performing a very public 'throat slash' is pure bull----! Grow up Dad!
7 months ago
I totally agree with you on this one. Maria Sharapova may be very attractive physically, but she has an ugly attitude. It definitely showed all tournament long-- starting with her second round win against Lindsay Davenport. As far as fan support goes in women's tennis, I will admit that looks (not nationality) has a lot to do with it. But so does attitude, and Sharapova definitely failed this one. I just hope one of the Serbs (Jankovic or Ivanovic) takes her out at the French-- which is a good bet considering clay is a much slower surface.
7 months ago
absolutely, sharapova is d'best woman's players i've ever saw. She is amizing girl with all her talented and beauty. Bravo OVA!!!!!! Ova has spirit, and emotiion that make me feel great when saw her playing tennis. I' dont know what i want to say to explain that how much i like her so much...Go Ova or me the best!!
7 months ago
Brandon. sory i'm not agree with ur statement that u said maria has ugly attitude! I dont think so it! Maria is great player..and i think people around the world know that she can be a motivator for all people who wants to be a great player like her!
7 months ago
You guys will find fault in anything, here is one who wants to be a great player like maria
http://www.youtube.com/user/Atennisstory
7 months ago
she has a fine attitude and she works hard at what she does no doubt about it. minako i agree with you she motivates young to older people who want to work hard and be great. i know she motivates me to be a better player
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