Shaky Sharapova Survives Opener at Roland Garros
Posted on May 29, 2006
Maria Sharapova overcame a bad attitude over playing on the opening Sunday, a re-twisted ankle during the match, and three match points to defeat American Mashona Washington 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 to advance into the second round at the French Open.
"I asked if I could play later. The answer was, 'You're playing Sunday, fourth match,'" Sharapova said. "How did it make me feel? Well, it doesn't make you feel great when you know that the French federation, all they're thinking about is selling tickets, making money and about their players. I mean, can't be too happy about that."
Top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo thrilled French fans with a 6-4, 6-4 win over American Meghann Shaughnessy, joined by winners (14) Dinara Safina (d. Russian countrywoman Zvonareva), (22) Ai Sugiyama (d. Daniilidou from a set down), (25) Marion Bartoli (d. Vedy 1-and-0), and unseeded Iveta Benesova (d. Parmentier).
"I'm starting to be a little more calm this year, and a little more knowing what I'm doing on the court," said the hot-handed Safina. "I'm trying to play really focused from the first point to when I shake hands."
Highlights of Monday play include (7) Schnyder vs. Krajicek, (2) Clijsters vs. Razzano, (21) Dechy vs. Foretz in an all-French, (11) Venus vs. Bammer, (6) Dementieva vs. Sucha, (8) Kuznetsova vs. Granville, (16) Vaidisova vs. Domachowska, (29) Arvidsson vs. Vento-Kabchi, (28) Safarova vs. Perianu, (9) Schiavone vs. A.Bondarenko, (27) Chakvetadze vs. Birnerova, (24) Srebotnik vs. Smashnova, (17) Pennetta vs. Mattek, and (18) Likhovtseva vs. Sprem.
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