Wimbledon 2011 Results: Why a Maria Sharapova Win Is Good for Women's Tennis

Wimbledon 2011 Needs Maria Sharapova to Win at the All England Club

Wimbledon has been a terrific event as usual this year, and the women's side has been even more wide open than anyone would have expected.

The top three seeds in the tournament have already been eliminated and No. 4 Victoria Azarenka is the top seed remaining.  Maria Sharapova entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed, but she has not been a serious threat at Wimbledon for five years.

Sharapova won the Wimbledon title back in 2004 and was the No. 1-ranked player in the world in 2005.  However, she has been extremely inconsistent and has been all over the rankings since then.

There is no doubt that she is considered the old lady among the remaining players left in the field.  At only 24 years of age, Sharapova is three years older than all three of the other remaining players.

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None of the other three players represent the star power that Sharapova provides.  Outside of the Williams sisters, Sharapova is likely the most recognizable player on tour.

Her grunt is one of the most recognizable grunts in tennis and fans seem to love her wherever she goes.

Tennis needs Sharapova to win this title.  None of the other players remaining are recognizable names in tennis, and while they may be good, Sharapova is a fan favorite.

With the Williams sisters returning to center stage, a rivalry could be renewed between former No. 1 players.

While Sharapova was struggling, the Williams sisters seemed to be the only players that casual fans wanted to watch.  With Sharapova regaining her form at Wimbledon, she has a chance to take home her second Wimbledon title and surge up the world rankings.

Sharapova would love to get back to her No. 1 form, and considering that she is still young, anything could happen.

Tennis needs Sharapova and Sharapova needs tennis.

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