Sharapova Ends Her Season through a Semi-final Defeat in the Madrid Open

Maria Sharapova could not continue her tremendous performance in the season ending WTA championship, Madrid Open. This year was very successful for this 19-year old tennis star as she bagged 5 titles including U.S. Open in this season. Sharapova was on the verge of another great achievement before this tournament. She could have ended this season as no. 1 player in the ranking if she could win this tournament. However, she lost the chance being defeated to Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne at the semi-final. Nevertheless, she is happy with her performance of this season and her consistency in the tennis court. Though this defeat, Sharapova’s 19 match winning streak ended. I am quoting her after match speech from a Hindustan Times report:

"I had a bad day. I struggled to concentrate for more than two points at a time. I don't know why," said the Russian.
"I was a bit tired but I don't think that was decisive. It was just one of those days."
"Not being number one is not really a disappointment. I'm disappointed I lost, that's all.
"Justine deserves to finish the season as number one. She was a finalist in all the Grand Slams, she was very consistent.
"I've had a fantastic year. I'm really pleased with the way I played these last few weeks. I hope to continue like that in 2007."
Though she could not fight well in the last match of this season as she was defeated by Justine Henin by 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), she is confident to do well in the next season. On the other hand, Clijsters is going towards the end of her career after loosing to Amelie Mouresmoe in the other semi-final by 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. This tennis star has been suffering from a wrist injury for a long time. Indicating her unpleasant and disappointing performance of this year she does not want to make her career longer, rather expressed her desire to start family life as it is known to all that she is now engaged with American Basketball Player Brian Lynch. She said,

"I enjoyed playing tennis this week but it's been a very frustrating year," said Clijsters.
"And there were definitely days and weeks even where I wanted to stop (my career) already.
"Never say never but I'm going to stop after next season. This is something that I've thought abbout for a long time.
"It's been hard. My wrist will always be the weakest part of my body. I'll be very happy to not have to do all that other stuff anymore.
"I would love to start a family. There's lot of things I want to do. I enjoy working with kids. We'll see."
Sharapova and Clijsters expressed their own desire regarding tennis and it is worthless to say that both of them are now standing in two different edge of the world. Sharapova expressed her confidence over the next season while Clijsters seems to be a outgoing person of tennis world.