Maria digs deep
by Bren O'Brien
Tuesday, 16 January, 2007
http://www.australianopen.com/
Women's No.1 seed Maria Sharapova has endured a torrid three-setter against
Frenchwoman Camille Pin to progress to the second round of Australian Open
2007, 6-3 4-6 9-7.
The hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena played havoc with the Russian's game,
as she squandered a one-set advantage against the world No. 61, who forced
a deciding set.
The implementation of the Extreme Heat Policy meant a five-minute break at
the end of the second set for the players, and Sharapova looked to used
that to her advantage. But she was forced to fight to the very end, grabbing
the victory and setting up a second-round match-up with compatriot Anastassia
Rodionova.
Things looked to going to plan for the 2005 Wimbledon and 2006 US Open
champion when she recovered from an early break of serve to break Pin
three times and take the advantage.
But Pin was able to rally, taking an early break in the second set, and
holding her nerve when Sharapova broke back to level the match.
The Russian then surged to a 5-0 lead in the third, and looked set for
an easy win. But Pin battled back, winning five straight games to level
up again and have the No.1 seed under pressure. She took a break in the
13th game, and was two points from victory, but could not serve out the
match. Sharapova then broke in the 16th game for the toughest of first-round
victories.
Rod Laver Arena - Women's Singles - 1st Round
Maria Sharapova RUS (1) 6 4 9
Camille Pin FRA 3 6 7
Match Facts
‧ The match lasted 171 minutes, with 83 minutes for the third set
‧ Sharapova won 118 points, Pin won 101
‧ Sharapova had 44 winners to Pin's 14
‧ The Russian made 65 unforced errors, Pin made 44
‧ There were 14 breaks of serve, eight to Sharapova, six to Pin
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