Maria Sharapova-Justine Henin match was suspended at the French Open

The most exciting match between the two former world number one players; Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin has been suspended due to bad weather that forced the organizer to call the match off with one set left at hand.

Both Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin met each other in the third round of French Open. The rainy and windy match was unable to continue the match because of darkness. Prior to this match both the contestants faced each other ninth times.

The match between Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin and got the favorite tag as it brought two former No. 1s, who jointly owned 10 major titles.

No doubt, Justine Henin was the most favorite player as she won four Grand Slam titles at the French Open. However, Maria Sharapova was not less favorite of this game.

Henin tied the match with 6-2 win in the first set and equaled the record of 40^th consecutive set victory which was set by Helen Wills Moody from 1926-32.

Match turned into an excitement while Sharapova made her return in the second round with a 6-3 victory.

The match was called off for the day by the tournament referee Stefan Fransson as rain is falling and light fading. This match will continue in the resume day when both players will play the last set to decide the result of the match.

Related article:

The New York Times

Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova: The new tennis fashion icons

Tennis channel, the famous American digital cable television channel on tennis, named Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer two of the best dressed tennis players. A Tennis Channel show, “Open Access: Fashion Sense” which premiered on November 23, 2008, revealed that Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, two of former number one tennis players received the highest votes as best dressed male and female tennis players. Multi Channel News reports:

Tennis Channel experts offered tennis fans a list of 10 men and 10 women from which to choose. Among the top men: Federer, who had more votes than the top five women combined; Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick. On the distaff side of the net: the channel will not only put the lens on Sharapova, but Ana Ivanovic, Venus Williams and Maria Kirilinko as well. The show includes interview with players about their love of fashion, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and photos of them off the court.

Tennis is no longer just a sport. With the rising popularity of the game in western countries, tennis players are now enjoying equal status of Hollywood celebrities. If you are a rising tennis player then media attention is inevitable but you will not only have to be at your best in the court but also your best in style and fashion. Tennis players are becoming major sports and fashion icons and Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are two such examples.

Related articles:

Multi Channel News

Maria Sharapova in French Open Tennis 2009

Maria Sharapova dominated world tennis in 2006. However, the last one year has not been up to the mark for her because she has suffered a lot from injury. So, many people may think that it will be difficult for her to make a come back. However, you should remember that she is only 22 years old and she has still some good tennis to give to all the fans. In fact, the good thing that has happened is that she got tenth month rest and this way she is now more fresh. Her ranking went down to 126 and now she has to make a come back and get the top spot again. It should be remembered by all the people Maria Sharapova won the Wimbledon’s title in 2004 only at the age of 17 even by the age of twenty, she made a lot of winning titles in Grand Slams and other forms of tennis. Even in 2008, she won the title of Australian open. I still remember when she won the championship of US Open 2006. We covered that news in this blog. So, let us see if Maria Sharapova can make a come back in French Open 2009. It will be tough but she can do it.

Top Ranked Players to participate in Rogers Cup 2008 Tennis Tournament

Rogers Cup 2008 will begin on 23^rd July 2008 and will continue till 3^rd August. Some of the top ranked players of women’s tennis are going to take part in the tournament, set to be held at the Uniprix Stadium, Montreal in Canada. In fact, seven out of top ten players of WTA ranking are to participate in the tournament.

Moreover, top three players of WTA ranking are going to appear in the same tournament for the first time since Wimbledon 2008. So, naturally Rogers Cup has already had some attraction to lure the tennis fans around the world. This is a Tire I tournament on WTA tour and offers US$1 340 000 as prize money. So, Rogers Cup has enough ground to attract the top ranked tennis players.

Tennis fans will get to see top ranked Ana Ivanovic, world no. 2 Jelena Jankovic and world no. 3 Maria Sharapova all together in this tournament for the first time after Wimbledon 2008, perhaps for the last time before Beijing Olympics Games, set to begin from the next month.

Besides the top three, fifth ranked Elena Dementieva, seventh ranked Venus Williams, eighth ranked Anna Chakvetadze and ninth ranked Dinara Safina are expected to participate in Rogers Cup 2008. Justine Henin will not be able to defend her Rogers Cup title this year as the former world no. 1 declared her retirement from professional tennis before French Open 2008.

Maria Sharapova started the season winning Australian Open 2008 title, but failed to star in French Open 2008 and Wimbledon 2008, on both occasions failed to reach the quarter final. Top ranked Ana Ivanovic won her first grand slam title this year in French Open 2008, before failing completely in Wimbledon 2008. However, Ivanovic’s consistency is pretty much satisfactory so far this year. Second ranked Jelena Jankovic could not win any grand slam title yet, but she is also very consistent on the court. The Serbian reached the semi final of Australian Open and French Open this year, while in Wimbledon she was eliminated at the fourth round. However, Jankovic has been more impressive on WTA tour tournaments, wining the title of Tier I tournament on Rome and reaching the final of another Tier I tournament in Miami this year. In fact, Jelena Jankovic was the runner up of Rogers Cup 2007.

Fifth ranked Elena Dementieva has made a strong come back so far this year. She reached the semi final of Wimbledon 2008 and won a Tier II tournament in Dubai. With Wimbledon 2008 triumph fresh in mind, Venus Williams is expected to be one of the most favorites in Rogers Cup 2008. Venus Williams, at seventh in WTA ranking, will definitely look to win Rogers Cup 2008 in order to uphold her current confidence level ahead of U.S. Open 2008 tournament. Eighth ranked Anna Chakvetadze has not been at her best so far this year, failing to reach the quarter final of any of the three grand slam tournaments. Last time, the Russian won a singles title on WTA tour was in 2005. So, an impressive performance at Rogers Cup 2008 would definitely come as a confidence booster for her. French Open 2008 finalist Dinara Safina has already made something special this year playing her first ever grand slam final. Ninth ranked Russian is now at good from and could bring out some success at Rogers Cup 2008.

Well, there is no doubt, the top ranked players are the hot favorites in Rogers Cup 2008, but do not write off the players outside the top ten, because surprise can come at any stage of any tournament like Chinese Jheng Zie played the semi final of Wimbledon 2008, becoming the first player from China to reach the semi final of a grand slam tournament.

Related article:

rogerscup.com

Maria Sharapova in Rogers Cup 2008

Rogers Cup 2008 is knocking at the door now. The Tier I tournament on WTA tour will be held at the Uniprix Stadium in Montreal, Canada from 26 July 2008. Since Wimbledon 2008, Rogers Cup is going to be first major tournament where top 3 players of WTA ranking are going to take part. The tournament is presented by National Bank. Defending Champion Justine Henin will not be bale to defend her title since she declared her retirement from professional tennis earlier this year.

World no. 3 Maria Sharapova will take part in the tournament. As I mentioned earlier, the Russian star is going to play her first tournament since her disappointing performance in Wimbledon 2008, where she was eliminated at the second round after a shocking defeat to Alla Kudryavtseva. The 21-year old Russian was unimpressive at French Open 2008 too as she failed to reach the quarter final after losing to fellow Russian Dinara Safina at the fourth round.

However, Maria Sharapova started the year with wining her third career grand slam title at Australian Open 2008. Now, ahead of U.S. Open 2008, she must look for a confidence booster performance at Rogers Cup 2008. Sharapova fans are eagerly waiting to see Sharapova dominating the courts. Maria Sharapova will also represent Russia in this year Beijing Olympics Games.

World no. 1 Ana Ivanovic and 7^th ranked Venus Williams have also confirmed their participation at Rogers Cup 2008.

Related article:

rogerscup.com

Maria Sharapova Crashes out of French Open 2008 Being Defeated by Dinara Safina

Maria Sharapova has been out of French Open 2008 being defeated to fellow Russian Dinara Safina in the fourth round. With this victory, Sharapova’s aim to achieve a career slam remains incomplete. The world no. 1 won the first set in tie-breaker by 7-6. She started well in the second set and led 5-2 at one point, before Dinara Safina bounced back to win the second set in tie-break. In fact, Maria Sharapova was two points away from her victory for three times and while serving at 5-3 she lost the match point, allowing Dinara Safina to come back in the match and win the second set. Then in the third set, Dinara Safina did not give any chance winning the set 6-2, in which she won the last for sets. Dinara Safina is going to face seventh seed Elena Dementieva in the quarter final.

From the very beginning of French Open 2008, Maria Sharapova was not at her best and now she has lost in the fourth round. Though she is still no. 1 in the ranking, no body can give any assurance that at the end of French Open 2008 tournament she would be able to hold on atop the ranking, given the current form of world no. 2 Ana Ivanovic in evidence. If Ana Ivanovic wins her first ever grand slam title at Roland Garros then Maria Sharapova might lose her top place to Ana Ivanovic. No doubt, it is a shocking defeat for Maria Sharapova, who started the year winning Australian Open 2008 and following the sudden retirement of Justine Henin, Sharapova progressed to no. 1 position in the ranking last month.

Related article:

Times Online

Maria Sharapova Reached Fourth Round Defeating Karin Knapp in Direct Sets

Maria Sharapova advanced to the fourth round in the women’s singles of French Open 2008 thanks to her direct set victory over Karin Knapp in the third round. You know that Sharapova was not impressive in the first two rounds. Even in the first set against Karin Knapp from Italy, Maria Sharapova was not at her prime as the set was decided in tie breaker, in which Sharapova emerged winner by 7-4. It was in the second set, world no. 1 Maria Sharapova showed some of her best performance, clinching the set by 6-0 in what she confirmed her berth in the fourth round. Now, in the fourth round, Maria Sharapova will face fellow Russian 13^th seeded Dinara Safina.

Maria Sharapova could not manage any of her first two round victories in direct sets. In the first round, Maria Sharapova defeated Evgeniya Rodina 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. So, you can see that Sharapova was not up to the mark in the first match. The same thing happened in the second round as well. The Russian star needed three sets to knock out American qualifier Bethanie Mattek by 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. It is true that Sharapova’s performance seems to be ordinary so far in the tournament, but the good thing is that she is gradually coming back to her prime form and that is what might make her fans happy and hopeful about the success of Maria Sharapova in the tournament. Sharapova has won all three other grand slam titles. Now, French Open 2008 could make her one of those rare players who has career grand slam. Let us see if Sharapova could achieve this in French Open 2008. Second seed Ana Ivanovic, who reached the quarter final pretty convincingly, now seems to be the major challenge for Sharapova in her way to win the title in the tournament.

Related articles:

Los Angles Times

French Open 2008: Maria Sharapova to Face Evgeniya Rodina in the First Round

Maria Sharapova is the current world no. 1 in women’s singles according toe WTA ranking. Except French Open, the Russian tennis star won the title of three other grand slam tournaments. Now, ahead of French Open 2008, she must be gunning for achieving the career grand slam in this tournament. Achieving such success at the age of 21 is really something special for any tennis star. French Open 2008 is due to be started from Sunday. So, tennis fans are now eagerly waiting to see their favorite players competing in the second grand slam of the year.

Sharapova is going to start the tournament with the first round meeting with fellow Russian Evgeniya Rodina. The match seems not be that much problematic for the top seed Russian. However, Maria Sharapova should not take Evgeniya Rodina lightly because accident could happen to Sharapova once again in grand slam. She suffered a shocking defeat in US Open 2007 as she was beaten by Agnieszka Radwańska in the third round. Evgeniya Rodina is currently ranked 104 and has only four IFT singes title so far in her career. She has been pretty much consistent over the last one year in different tournaments. She broke into 120 ranking for the first time at the end of 2007. Well, still I think, Maria Sharapova is going to win the match, but Evgeniya Rodina could build up a strong challenge in the match.

Maria Sharapova: French Open is the Toughest to Win

Maria Sharapova has only one feather left to add to her cap and that is the French Open title. The Russian world no. 1 won all three other grand slam titles once in her career, except French Open. With another French Open title gets underway, the Russian star has set her eyes on French Open 2008 title. Maria Sharapova recently termed French Open title as the toughest title to win in her career. However, she thinks that it she is not in a rush to win it as she has many more years ahead of her to win it.

abs-cbnnews reported:

"It's quite amazing to be 21 years old and have someone tell you it's the only Grand Slam you haven't won," said Sharapova.

"Coming here last year it was one of the two I hadn't won. Coming here this year (after winning the Australian Open) it's the only one I haven't won. But this is the toughest one for me to win. But that's why I'm here."

"I've never felt, even as a junior, that I have had to go out there and prove myself," said Sharapova.

"I'm at a point in my career where I know the player I am and what I am capable of. If I win here it would be an incredible addition to my resume.

"But if it's not this year, my career won't end. I have got many more years ahead of me to try and achieve the French Open as well as more of the other Grand Slams."

So, it is almost clear that Maria Sharapova does not want to take any pressure on her as she is seemingly the most favorite to win the title at Rolland Garros. Actually, she started the year winning Australian Open 2008 title, and now, with Justine Henin, who was the champion of French Open for the last three years, gets into retirement recently, the title of French Open 2008 is now open to all, but still many people are considering Maria Sharapova most favorite of French Open 2008.

Now, do you think that French Open 2008 title will go to Maria Sharapova?

Maria Sharapova in French Open 2008

Maria Sharapova is the current world no. 1 of women’s tennis in WTA ranking. Well, even a couple of weeks ago, she was holding the second position, but following the retirement of Justine Henin, the defending champion of women’s singles of French Open, from WTA tour, Maria Sharapova now holds the top place of WTA ranking.

French Open 2008 kicks off from 25 May 2008. Now, Maria Sharapova is aiming to win her first French Open title in her career. In fact, Sharapova won other three grand slam titles once in her career so far, but she is yet to experience the title of French Open. Actually, Justine Henin dominated French Open over the last three seasons, as the Belgian won the title of French Open for the last three years in a row. Upon the retirement of Henin, French Open title is now more open. Following a poor 2007, Maria Sharapova started the year 2008 winning Australian Open 2008. So, Maria Sharapova is expected to be at her prime in French Open 2008, but her fans are a bit worried about her calf injury, for which she had to withdraw herself from the semi final of Italian Open recently.

Well, it seems that the calf injury may not that much serious as far as the media reports are concerned. She is now 21, and has a lot to prove and show in her. Using her height of 6 ft 2 inches, the Russian could emerge as the next dominant player of Women’s tennis. Now, the question remains, will Maria Sharapova be able to win the women’s signles title of French Open 2008. What do you think about it?

Timing and Schedule of Maria Sharapova vs Ana Ivanovic Final of Australian Open 2008

The final of Women’s singles of Australian Open 2008 is going to be held today. Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic are gearing up to win the first grand slam title of the year and are now taking their last minute preparation. Maria Sharapova, the fifth seed, made it to the final after clinching a superb victory over Jelena Jankovic in the semi final, while Ana Ivanovic came though a fighting match against Daniela Hantuchova in the semi final. The Serbian, Ana Ivanovic has been undergoing an improvement since last year when she reached her first grand slam final in French Open. Maria Sharapova got over her shoulder injury and has come back in the court as stronger a player she was in the past, as the Russian has outclassed her opponents in Australian Open 2008 in style so far. I know that there are many of you who are interested to know the timing of the match. Here, I am giving the timing of the match:

Date: 26 January, Saturday

Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park

Local Time (Melbourne): 1:30PM

GMT: 2:30 AM

Indian Time: 8:00 AM

If you are interested to get the match time in your local time then you should click here.

The final between Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic is going to be one of the most glamorous finals of grand slam tournaments in tennis. Both of them are also in their prime form. So, you can also expect a great match today. Now, let us see if Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic can appear with the form they have showed in the previous round matches in the tournament.

Who do you think is going to be the champion of Australian Open 2008?

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Maria Sharapova vs Ana Ivanovic: A dream Final

Australian open tennis 2008 is the opening tennis tournament of the year. Now, We have reached towards the end of this year’s tournament. The lineup for Women’s singles final was finalized today. On Saturday, We will see tool of the most beautiful tennis players in action against each other in the final of Australian open tennis 2008. Both of them have huge ban base because of their beauty and attractive figure.

Maria Sharapova won the first semifinal very easily and she did not take long time to beat Jankovic. She won by 6-3 6-1. in the first set, Maria Sharapova dominated and won it very easily. I was impressed with the service of Maria Sharapova. In the second set, Jankovic looked weak and she could not put up any kind of resistance.

Canadian Press wrote:

Any thoughts she had about adding to her 2004 Wimbledon title and the 2006 U.S. Open went out in quick fashion.

"You plan it out somehow in your mind, but sometimes it doesn't always go as planned," Sharapova says. "That's the beauty of life and sport."

This year, she senses it will be different, thanks to the confidence she has acquired from playing in her fourth Grand Slam final.

On Saturday, she's up against an opponent with one previous final. Ivanovic lost to Henin in last year's French Open title match and is seeded No. 4, a spot ahead of Sharapova.

On the other hand, Ana Ivanovic perhaps gave the best performance of her life and defeated Daniela Hantuchova. It was a very hard fought win for Ivanovic. She lost the first set and was under pressure even in the second set too. In the end, Ana Ivanovic: the match by 0-6, 6-3, 6-4. so, you can see that Ana Ivanovic lost the first set by 0-6. Even in the second set, she was trailing by 0-2. Few people will imagine at that time that she would come back in this match so strongly. This reflects strong determination from the Serbian tennis player. She showed today that she is not only a beautiful girl but also a tough fighter.

Sydney Morning Herald wrote:

None of which altered the fact that Ivanovic, who for 35 jaw-dropping minutes was struck dumb under Daniela Hantuchova's spell, found a way back to record a 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 win. Tomorrow, either she or Maria Sharapova, who had beat Jelena Jankovic earlier yesterday, will have their name engraved on the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup for the first time.

But Hantuchova's behaviour sullied the best win of the 20-year-old's career. She described the squeaking of Ivanovic's shoes on the court as she prepared to receive serve as "ridiculous".

I told you that it is a dream final. Both Sharapova and Ivanovic are among the most popular female sports personalities in the world. Many men are crazy for their beauty and sexy figure.

I think that Sharapova is the favorite in this match. She has already defeated Justine Henin in the quarter-final and today she demolished Jelena Jankovic.

Maria Sharapova vs Ana Ivanovic: Who will Win?

Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic are the two finalists of Australian Open 2008. Sharapova confirmed a place in the final with a smashing straight-sets victory against Jelena Jankovic, while Ivanovic had to put on every bit of her effort to get over the semi final against Daniela Hantuchova, after a poor start in the three-set victory. Both Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic are in their prime form now.

Maria Sharapova has come back strongly after an injury-pronged last year. The Russian was handled a tough draw in the competition with the second round meeting with Lindsay Davenport, and world no. 1 Justine Henin in the quarter final, both of them are former champion of Australian Open. To be honest, I had never seen anyone before to dominate over Henin in such a way as Sharapova did with taking a bagel 6-0 in the second set of the two-set victory.

Boston.com reported:

"You have your bad moments in your career and you have your good moments, and it's been a good ride so far," she said. "But it's not over yet.

"In a Grand Slam where I've had good success but some tough endings, I still believe at the end I'll always have more opportunities."

On the other hand, Ana Ivanovic has also been at her great form with improved physical fitness. The Serbian, though, had a successful last year; she was not in such a dominating form. Having defeated Venus Williams in the quarter final, Ana Ivanovic posed a threat for the tournament favorites. Now, she has made it to the final of the tournament getting only Maria Sharapova as her last hurdle to win her first grand slam title.

Ahead of the match, Ivanovic has been full of praise about Maria Sharapova. Referring her success in the tournament, Ivanovic has termed her as a big fighter. However, she has also indicated that she will fight for each point.

Canadian Press reported:

"Maria has had a good tournament ... beating Justine in two sets," said Ivanovic. "It's going to be definitely a very, very tough match."

"It's just the way these courts play," she said. "I just tried to move my feet, to return the ball, so it really was not intentional."

"She's definitely a big fighter and she never gives up," Ivanovic said. "That's also something I feel like we have a little bit in common - I also try to fight for each point.

Regarding the final match, Maria Sharapova has commented that whoever it is, she just want to play great tennis as she is looking forward to play in the final again.

Canada.com reported:

"I really hope I take advantage of having the experience behind my back," Sharapova said. "I'm looking forward to being in the final again, and whoever it is, I just hope I can produce some great tennis."

Well, considering recent form of Sharapova and Ivanovic, it seems that Maria Sharapova is favorite in the match. She also has more experience than the Serbian. However, what is the advantage of Ana Ivanovic is that she seems to be fit both physically and mentally and has huge confidence in her. Pointing out today’s semi final, I would like to mention that Ivanovic could manage to win over Daniela Hantuchova not only with her tennis skill; rather it was embedded on her mental strength, because it is very difficult to win a match after losing first eight sets of the match. It needs lots of confidence. This confidence and mental strength along with her improved physical fitness will help her when she takes on Maria Sharapova in the final of Australian Open 2008 tournament.

That is why, I will not go for any prediction regarding the result of match as it would have no meaning. What I would like to say is that the player who will be able to hold her composure and play according to her merit will have better chance, because if you go back to the performance of them, you can see that both of them are full of potential and it is very difficult to say either of them is favorite for the final of Australian Open 2008 tournament. I hope that Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic will come up with their best from in the final and present a classic match for the fans of tennis world.

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Maria Sharapova vs Ana Ivanovic: Final of Australian Open 2008

Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic will take on each other in the final of Australian Open 2008. Maria Sharapova confirmed her place in the final with an impressive victory over Jelena Jankovic. The flawless Sharapova took just about an hour to outperform the third seed 6-3, 6-1 and stormed into the final of Australian Open for the second year in a row. On the other hand, Ana Ivanovic had to make it to the Australian Open final though a three-set thriller over Daniela Hantuchova. Despite the early setback, Ana Ivanovic bounced back to win the match 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 and confirmed her second ever grand slam final.

Now, Ana Ivanovic has to face Maria Sharapova to win her first grand slam final in her career. It is expected to be a tough one for the Serbian as Maria Sharapova has been in an imperious form so far in the tournament. Sharapova has not lost any set so far in the tournament. It is also true that Ivanovic did not lose any set before the semi final match in the tournament.

Ana Ivanovic had a breakthrough season in 2007 with reaching her first ever grand slam final in French Open and she continued her dream run to reach the Wimbledon semi final. With such an impressive performance, she broke into the top five of ranking for the first time in her career. The 20-year old Serbian looked tougher and stronger than ever from the very beginning of Australian Open 2008. She did not look any time during any match of the tournament except the first set of the semi final match. The fourth seed has improved in both physically and mentally. Today’s victory is in evidence of her mental strength.

Maria Sharapova, on the other hand, had a nightmare season in 2007. Though she started the season with reaching the final of Australian Open last year, she could not show any more consistency throughout the season. Added to that she had to fight against her woeful should injury that kept her out of her form a big part of the season and forced her to adopt a new serving action.

However, despite all those odds, Maria Sharapova made an impressive come back though the Australian Open 2008. She has defeated two former Australian Open winners- Lindsay Davenport and Justine Henin in the way to the final. The two grand slam Open winner is now just a step closure from another grand slam open title.

Now, ahead of the match, Maria Sharapova will be inspired to take avenge of her defeat to Ana Ivanovic in the semi final of French Open last year. Sharapova has already taken the revenge of that humiliating defeat by smashing a straight-sets victory at the Tour Championship against Ivanovic last year. Both of them have faced each other four times in the past with both of them winning twice.

Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic are two of the youngsters of tennis world. Both of them are 20 and full of rhythm. They are full of potential and very skilled. So, I hope to see a classic final which people will recall even after a ling time. Now, let us see who are going to win the title of Autralian Open 2008 tournament.

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Maria Sharapova Eased into the Final of Australian Open 2008

Maria Sharapova reached the final of Australian Open 2008 with a 6-3, 6-1 demolition of third seed Jelena Jankovic in the semi final. The victory was every bit as comfortable for Sharapova as the score line shows. The Russian needed just over an hour to wrap up the match in straight sets. Jelena Jankovic had to struggle with injury in the match as well, which she suffered in every previous round match of the tournament.

Jelena Jankovic, however, could show some resistance while threatening to suffer a 6-0 bagle in the first set. From 5-0 down, Jankovic went on to win three games in a row including a service break which indicated a closing first set. However, Maria Sharapova did not give any more chance and sealed the first set winning the next game. In the second, it was all about Maria Sharapova, while Jelena Jankovic had to take treatment for her injury. Jankovic could not show her fighting spirit in the second set as Sharapova blew the Serbian off the court booking her place in the final of Australian Open for the second year in a row.

AFP reported:

"I'm realy happy I got through and I'm back in the final," said the 20-year-old, who is on a mission to make amends for last year's humiliating loss to Serena Williams.

"I had the experience going into last year's final and it didn't turn out too good.

"I'm just glad that I've been able to play such good tennis and I hope I can continue that for another match."

Maria Sharapova now has to face either Ana Ivanovic or Daniela Hantuchova in the final of the tournament. Maria Sharapova has been in an ominous from in the tournament having defeated world no. 1 Justine Henin in the quarter final. She has not lost any set in the tournament so far. However, Maria Sharapova was in the similar red-hot form last year before suffering a humiliating defeat to unseeded Serena Williams in straight sets in the final, ending her impressive run in the tournament. However, it was Sharapova who was full of errors in the match handling the match to Serena Williams. Now, let us see if the Maria Sharapova can win the Australian Open title this time around.

Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Live Score and Live Updates

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Maria Sharapova defeated Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1 in the semi final today.

Ana Ivanovic defeated Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the other semi final of women's singles.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-3 6-2 in the semi final of Men's singles today.

Maria Sharapova (3) --- Jelena Jankovic (0)

Sharapova held her serve and won the third point and now leading 3-0

3rd Point: Sharapova now serving

Sharapova broke the serve of Jankovic and capturd the second point and leading by 2-0

Deuce (Yes, again!!!!)

Deuce (again!)

Deuce

Deuce

Deuce

30-30

15-15

2nd Point: Jankovic is serving.

Sharapova took the first point impressively. Big first serve from Sharapova as Jankovic could not offer any resistance.

15-0

1st point: Maria Sharapova serving.

The roof is being closed totally now for rain and that is why there is some delay in the match. It will start within a minute or two.

The match will start any moment. The two players are in the court and warming up.
The match will start within 2-3 minutes. So, stay here for live score and live updates of Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic match.

Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic Australian Open: Who Will Win?

For live score and updates of Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic match, visit this link:

Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Live Score and Live Updates

http://techblogbiz.blogspot.com/2008/01/maria-sharapova-vs-jelena-jankovic-live.html

Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic upcoming semi final match is now the center of all attention in the tennis world. Both the players projected superb victories in their quarter final matches providing a shocking defeat to two of the most favorites of the tournament- Justine Hein and Serena Williams. Henin tasted 6-0 love in the second set in her 6-4, 6-0 defeat to Maria Sharapova. Jelena Jankovic’s 6-3, 6-4 victory over the reigning champion Serena Williams did not come so easily as the Serbian had to face strong challenge from Serena Williams in both the sets.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Now, Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic are gearing up to face each other in their last hurdle to reach the final of Australian Open 2008. Sharapova and Jankovic faced each other on four occasions in the past with Sharapova winning three times. However, Jankovic emerged winner in their last meeting in 2007. Maria Sharapova, the fifth seed, spent a disappointing season last year, while Jelena Jankovic saw one of the most successful seasons of her career in 2007. However, Jankovic has been suffering from injury since earlier this month and she has been taking treatment even during the matches.

Image Source: Wikipedia

So, Maria Sharapova can be happy that she is going to face an injured Jankovic in the semi final. Well, the reality is that Jankovic is still strong enough to face any player in the world with her mental strength and skill. Jankovic even claimed herself as a wounded-animal referring to her ability despite the niggling injury. Maria Sharapova, in contrast, has been in an ominous from and did not face any problem in her shoulder, which was the reason behind her poor form last year. However, the Russian star has recovered from the injury and now gearing up to win her third grand slam title in Australian Open 2008.

It is really a tough task to predict about the result of the match. Considering the recent performances of both the players, you have to admit that Maria Sharapova has better chance in her semi final showdown with Jelena Jankovic. She has improved a lot in her game in the off season and she seems to be confident tool. Jelena Jankovic has expressed that she has no more expectation with her prevailing injury and she is happy with what she achieved so far in the tournament. In fact, reaching the semi final of the tournament, she has marked her best performance in Australian Open. So, Jankovic has nothing to lose against Maria Sharapova. Rather, she can win everything in her way if she can reach the final of Australian Open 2008. This is where Jankovic’s advantage lies. She can play fearlessly, even without thinking much about her opponent. So, I would not say that Maria Sharapova is the favorite in the match. I think, both of them have equal chance out in the Melbourne Park to the semi final match.

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Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Semi Final of Australian Open 2008

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Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Live Score and Live Updates

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Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic will take on each other in the semi final of Australian Open 2008 as both of them won respective quarter final matches today. Maria Sharapova, fifth seed, knocked out the Justine Henin, the world no. 1, in straight-sets leaving Henin stranded on the ground. The 6-4, 6-0 victory bought a revenge for Sharapova of her defeat to Henin in Madrid last year. Sharapova was in an imperious form throughout the match. Sharapova revealed that it was her day as she had the feeling of doing the right thing.

AFP reported:

"I really felt like I was in my own bubble today," said Sharapova, who will meet Jelena Jankovic in the semi-final after the Serbian third seed ousted defending champion Serena Williams earlier Tuesday.

"I came on the court, I wasn't trying to pay attention to her record or how many tournament's she won, which is an increbible number.

"It's amazing when you go out on court and you feel like you're doing the right thing."

Image Source: Wikipedia

Jelena Jankovic also projected an inspirational 6-3, 6-4 victory over the defending champion Serena Williams. It was really unexpected that an injurious Jankovic would make it to the semi final defeating Serena Williams, who has been in ominous form in the previous round matches. It is true that Jankovic was not in dominant form in the match, but the way she was playing proved too much for Serena Williams. Jelena Jankovic has been suffering from injuries since earlier this month and she had to take treatment during almost all the previous matches.

Image Source: Wikipedia

The Serbian also admitted that with injuries she does not have the expectation to go far. However, she did not forget to claim herself as a wounded animal.

Monstersandcritics reported:

'I've beaten the Williams sisters a couple times. But here it is very special, because last year actually in this tournament in the fourth round I lost to her,' said the winner.

'Getting revenge it feels so good. I'm so happy to be in the semi-final, having no expectations, having injuries, and not really thinking that I can go far.

'But I just played one match at a time, and I really don't know how I'm doing, but I'm in the semis, and it feels great.

'This doesn't happen every day, I'm glad to get another win against her.'

'Players think that I'm injured and cannot play. But I'm like a wounded animal, but I still keep going.'

Well, it is clear the Jelena Jankovic is full of mental strength. Reaching the semi final is the best ever performance for Jelena Jankovic in Australian Open. So, it seems that both Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic had something to take inspiration from their quarter final matches before the two take on each other in Australian Open semi final.

Tennis fans experienced Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic match four times in the past including the 2004 U.S. Open. Sharapova won three times, while Jelena Jankovic managed her only victory in their last meeting at Birmingham last year. However, Maria Sharapova was not in her great form last year with suffering recurring injury in the big part of the year. Moreover, this is the first time Maria Sharapova is going to face Jelena Jankovic who is now in the top ten.

So, there are many who will bet on Maria Sharapova ahead of the match and it is logical as well. However, Sharapova should not take Jelena Jankovic lightly. Otherwise Sharapova might be at the losing side even before reaching the final. However, I hope to see a classic semi final between the top five ranked players.

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Maria Sharapova Powered into the Semi Final of Australian Open 2008

Maria Sharapova stormed into the semi final of Australian Open 2008 after projecting a straight-sets victory in the quarter final against top seed Justine Henin. The Russian star, faced strong challenge from Henin in the first set, but the second set was all about Maria Sharapova. Justine Henin could not show any resistance in the second set, suffering the third defeat to Sharapova. With the 6-4, 6-0 victory, Maria Sharapova has taken the revenge of her defeat to Justine Henin in the WTA Championship Final in Madrid last year.

Maria Sharapova, the fifth seed, started off well winning the first three games in a row and got the break point in the second game of the first set. However, Justine Henin bounced back in the fourth game to make it 3-1. Henin put on a strong resistance from the sixth game of the first set to win three successive games to make it 4-5. However, Henin found it useless when Maria Sharapova wrapped up the first set in the next game 6-4.

In the second set, Justine Henin saw an unstoppable Maria Sharapova, who started it in the similar fashion breaking Justine Henin twice and reeled off the bagel in sheer dominance. Sharapova dropped no game in the second set. After experiencing an injury-pronged 2007, the tennis world has seen another Sharapova today at the Melbourne Park. Sharapova’s fiery performance was in evidence of her confidence and dominance.

Maria Sharapova will face third seed Jelena Jankovic in the semi final of the tournament. Jelena Jankovic defeated Serena Williams 6-3, 6-4 in the quarter final of Australian Open 2008. However, the dominance Sharapova showed against Justine Henin, it seems that Jelena Jankovic has to face some strong challenges from Maria Sharapova in the semi final of Australian Open 2008. Maria Sharapova was the finalist of Australian Open last year where she lost to eventual champion Serena Williams. Now, let us see if Maria Sharapova can go a step further this time around.

Justine Henin vs Maria Sharapova: Live Score and Live Updates

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Maria Sharapova won the match by 6-4, 6-0

Maria Sharapova has won the match and in Semifinal of Australian Open 2008

Hennin (4) (0)-- Sharapova (6) (6)

2nd Set (Sharapova has taken the first set by 6-4)

Maria Sharapova has won the match.

6th Point: Henin is serving

5th point: SHarapova kept her serve and leading by 5-0

Sharapova has broken again and now leading by 4-0 in the second set.

4th Point: Henin is serving.

3rd Point: Sharapova won the serve and leading by 3-0

SHrapova broke Henin's serve and now leading by 2-0

2nd Point: Henin is serving

Sharapova won the first point of second set

1st point: Sharapova serving

Sharapova won the point and took the first set 6-4

10 th point: Henin is serving.

Henin got the break. Henin has come back in the match and trailing 4-5

9th Point: Sharapova is serving.

Henin kept her serve

8th Point: Henin is serving.

Sharapova held serve and won the point and leading now by 5-2

7th Point: Sharapova is now serving.

Henin kept her serve and now trailing by 2-4

6th Point: Henin now serving.

SHarapova kept her serve and is now leading 4-1

5th Point: Sharapova is now serving.

Henin has got a point at least and now trailing by 1-3.

4th Point: Henin is serving.

Sharapova kept her serve and now leading 3-0

3rd Point: Sharapova is serving.

Sharapova got the break point. Sharapova is now leading 2-0

2nd Point: Hennin is serving.

Sharapova keeps her serve and won the first point.

1st Point: Sharapova is serving.

The match will start within a few minutes. So, stay here if you want to get live updates of the match.