Sharapova Slams Washington for Tokyo Title

Maria Sharapova mania is alive and well in the Pacific Rim. The 17-year-old Russian starlet claimed her second title in as many weeks with a resounding 6-0, 6-1 victory over surprise finalist Mashona Washington to win the Japan Open in Tokyo for a second straight year. The 55-minute title by Sharapova was also her fourth of the season and second straight following her victory last week in Seoul and improved her win streak to nine matches.

Sharapova was in complete control of the match and nearly baked-up the dreaded “double bagel” before Washington finally got on the board down 0-6, 0-5.

Incredibly, it was less than two months ago that Washington stunned Sharapova at the event in New Haven. Today, Sharapova was having none of that.

"Compared to the last time we played, I think I served much better and basically played very well," said Sharapova, who lifts her record in finals to a perfect 6-0 which includes a Wimbledon title in July. "Last time, we played on a slower surface, and the points were very long. This time, I dictated the points much better. I knew I had to be extremely tough today because my opponent is also playing very well. I knew I had to be ready from the start."

While Sharapova won these last two events facing the lower ranked players, the two wins do give her added confidence and increase her point total in her quest to finish among the Top 8 which would place her in the year-end WTA Championships.

"It would be pretty amazing if I can make the Championships," Sharapova said. "It's a close race right now, but I still have Zurich and maybe Philadelphia. I definitely want to play the Championships."

Washington was playing in her first career tour final was pleased with her week despite getting a beat-down.

"It's my first final, so I'm not that disappointed to have come this far," Washington said. "I couldn't play my normal aggressive game today because she was so good. She was playing out of her mind, and when someone is playing like that, you can't really beat her. This time was different than the last time we played. It was a final and the atmosphere was different. She was ready to come out and play and was really aggressive."