Top women arrive in Qatar for WTA season-ender Nov 4, 2008
Henin is out of the rankings, and a shoulder injury has sidelined Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova. Related Articles. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Williams seeks crown to cap topsy-turvy season Nov 4, 2008
The other No. 1 player during 2008 was Maria Sharapova, who is out with a shoulder injury. "In the beginning ... there was a spot open for everybody," Jankovic said Monday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Top women's stars make a season-ending move to Qatar Nov 3, 2008
Was it really only a year ago that Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova played one of the best finals in the 36-year history of the women's season-ending championships. That show in Madrid - won by Henin - was a three-set tribute to controlled aggression, lunging defense and focused ambition by two champions in their primes. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
* Federer wants to make it three in a row in Basel Oct 27, 2008
She won in Indian Wells but lost to Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open. The fourth-ranked Ivanovic is 3-2 against Zvonareva, who will play her seventh final this season. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Jankovic to end season as women's No. 1 Oct 26, 2008
She also advanced to the semifinals of two other Grand Slams, losing to eventual champion Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open and eventual champion Ana Ivanovic at the French Open. The other players to hold the top ranking were the retired Justine Henin (20 weeks), Ivanovic (12), Sharapova (three) and Williams (four). (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ivanovic, Zvonareva reach Generali Ladies final Oct 26, 2008
She won in Indian Wells but lost to Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Melanie Gloria Oct 21, 2008
admires Kim Clijsters and Maria Sharapova. enjoys listening to music, shopping, watching movies and reading. (Gobulldogs.com)
Djokovic says he needs more physical strength Oct 17, 2008
Djokovic's reaction did not sit well with the crowd at Flushing Meadows, where he had earlier been a fan favorite because of his impressions of players like Nadal and Maria Sharapova. "One of the worst moments of my career was when I gave an interview after the Roddick match on the center court and 20,000 people whistled at me," he said. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Tennyson, anyone? Oct 14, 2008
Cypriot tennis star and 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis is the latest top flight signing for January's $1 million Brisbane International tennis event - and the next target for tournament organisers is Russian glamour girl Maria Sharapova ... Tennis Australia and the Brisbane International tennis event have the right to negotiate other discretionary wildcard entries and - while they are concentrating on Australians - on their list is Russian Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova ...... (The Canberra Times)
Stars to lead HK tourney Oct 10, 2008
Article By: Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams will spearhead a new World Team Challenge in Hong Kong next year as part of their warm-up for the Australian Open. The January 7-10 tournament will feature four teams representing Europe, Russia, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. (iAfrica.com)
Prize rise negated by dollar dip Oct 8, 2008
Australian junior Bernard Tomic is a likely wildcard recipient into his first grand slam main draw, while Tiley said discussions with the management of defending women's champion Maria Sharapova, who has not played since July due to a shoulder injury, "indicated she's targeting the Australian Open as the place that she'll start 2009". Queensland's former world No.3 and three-time grand slam finalist Wendy Turnbull will be inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame during the tournament,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Jon WertheimTENNIS MAILBAG Oct 7, 2008
I suspect most of you readers could bench press more weight than Maria Sharapova, but she could still outhit you. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer might be the identical dimensions (6-1, 85 kg.) but they obviously have vastly different physiques and "jock skills sets.". (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Tennis: Pittsburgh Challenger returns to Oxford Club (Today) Oct 5, 2008
Maria Sharapova did it in 2002. Maybe another rising young female tennis player will follow her path and make a name for herself this week. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Tendulkar among powerful sports figures Oct 4, 2008
Modi at 19th and Tendulkar at 23rd spot, are ahead of Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova and soccer club Inter Milan's Manager Jose Mourinho, as per the annual list compiled by American financial publication BusinessWeek. The magazine described Modi as some one who "helped create the top cricket league in the world's second-most-populous land.". (India Times, India)
Maria Sharapova squeaks by at French Open Oct 3, 2008
BEIJING, May 30 -- The French Open started on Sunday for the first time and nearly ended quickly for Maria Sharapova. The former Wimbledon champion overcame a gimpy foot, a 5-2 deficit in the third set and three match points to beat American Mashona Washington 6-2, 5-7, 7-5. (Xinhuanet, China -- Sports)
Jankovic, Venus Williams, Safina reach quarters Oct 3, 2008
"It wasn't an easy match, I didn't play at my best. I was going for my shots even if I was missing some,'' Safina said.Jankovic already held the No. 1 spot for one week in August.Since Justine Henin retired in May, four players have held the No.1 ranking: Ana Ivanovic, Jankovic, Maria Sharapova and Williams.Ivanovic and Sharapova are the only top-10 players who did not come to Stuttgart. 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or... (MSNBC -- Sports)
PORSCHE GRAND PRIX: Venus Williams advances in Stuttgart Oct 3, 2008
The indoor tournament has brought together eight of the top 10 players in the world, with only Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova missing. Serena Williams, who regained the No. 1 ranking after winning the U.S. Open, plays Wednesday against Li Na. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
* Chinese stars Li, Peng suffer in Beijing Sep 24, 2008
Peng lost 7-5, 6-4 to Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva, who made headlines by beating Maria Sharapova in the second round of Wimbledon this year. Yan Zi and Zhang Shuai were also first round losers on a miserable day for China. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
China Open: China's best not good enough Sep 24, 2008
" In other first round matches, Canada's Aleksandra Wozniak beat Virginie Razzano, Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand defeated Katarina Srebotnik 6-4, 7-5. The best result in the tournament by a local female player was a semifinal finish by Peng Shuai in 2006, who reached the final in Guangzhou over the weekend. Serbians Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic are seeded one and two in the $600,000 China Open, with both chasing the women's No 1 spot, currently held by Serena Williams. The women's top... (Xinhuanet, China)
Davis Cup in need of an extreme makeover Sep 23, 2008
55, followed by Maria Sharapova (plus $4. 05), Ana Ivanovic (plus $5. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
* Hantuchova breezes past Argentine at China Open Sep 23, 2008
The womens top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henins surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current No. 1 Serena Williams. I dont have to prove to anybody or any media about my ability, except to myself. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Hantuchova eases into second round of China Open Sep 23, 2008
The womens top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henins surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current number one Serena Williams. Meanwhile, on the mens side of the draw in Beijing, defending champion and Olympic silver medallist Fernando Gonzalez faces a tough battle to retain his title, with top seed David Ferrer and former world number one Andy Roddick in the hunt. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
More People & Entertainment Stories Sports Headlines Jankovic insists she has nothing to prove on tennis court Sep 22, 2008
The women's top ranking has been in flux since Justine Henin's surprise retirement in May, passing between Maria Sharapova, Ivanovic, Jankovic and current number one Serena Williams. "I don't have to prove to anybody or any media about my ability, except to myself. I am only 23 years old, still young, and I have entered Grand Slam finals," Jankovic said at the 600,000-dollar China Open. (Yahoo! Asia News)
* Russia retain Fed Cup with resounding victory Sep 16, 2008
Russian strength in depth X they have six players in the WTA top 20 X won out ultimately, with the champions able to land the trophy in the absence of star names such as Maria Sharapova and Olympic champion Elena Dementieva. Before their purple patch of wins started with a maiden triumph in 2004, the Russians had made losing final appearances in 1988, 1990, 1999 and 2001. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Girls tennis: Teen phenoms to meet Tuesday Sep 15, 2008
For the women, it s Maria Sharapova ( When she gets in a close match, she s able to pull it out. . (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Zvonareva and Kuznetsova out Russians ahead in Fed Cup final Sep 14, 2008
It s tough to play the first match, and I m happy to get through this one, said Zvonareva who was only playing because of the absence of the injured Maria Sharapova and the unavailable Olympic gold and silver medallists Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina. I lost a little concentration in the middle of the second set and committed a few unforced errors while she came up with some good shots, but I was really happy that I could raise my level again. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Russia wary of Spain for Fed Cup final Sep 13, 2008
"They are the favorites, but we have a good squad,'' Spain's Virginia Ruano said Friday.Spain's hopes of a sixth Fed Cup title have been boosted by the absence due to injury of four of Russia's top players - Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, silver medalist Dinara Safina, Anna Chakvetadze and former No. 1 Maria Sharapova, who is recovering from a shoulder injury.advertisementSeventh-ranked Svetlana Kuznetsova and Olympic bronze medalist Vera Zvonareva lead the Russians, who are playing for... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Russia hope no Maria, no problem against Spain Sep 13, 2008
MADRID: Russia hope the loss of Maria Sharapova (pic), as well as Olympic gold and silver medal winners Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina, will not shatter their Fed Cup title defence against Spain. Russia, bidding for a fourth Fed Cup trophy, will be relying instead on world number seven, and former US Open champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova as well as Beijing bronze medal winner Vera Zvonereva to lead their challenge. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Injuries hurt Russian women's team for Fed Cup Sep 12, 2008
Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina are all injured ... Maria Sharapova, Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, silver medalist Dinara Safina are all ranked in the top 10 on the WTA Tour and are all injured. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Age shall not weary her: Craybas keeps going strong Sep 11, 2008
6 meters and 56 kilograms next to the sport's towering glamazons of Maria Sharapova (1. 88 m) and Ana Ivanovic (1. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
09/09: Maria Sharapova, Eva Longoria Parker, Julia Roberts ... > Sep 10, 2008
1 of 8 Tennis star Maria Sharapova dazzles onlookers at Fashion Week. More Galleries. (New York Post -- Gossip)
Russia offer Spain hope in Fed Cup final Sep 10, 2008
Russia will be without Maria Sharapova, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, silver medallist Dinara Safina and Anna Chakvetadze for the final. However Russia, who are bidding to win the women's equivalent of the Davis Cup for the fourth time in five years, can still count on world number seven Svetlana Kuznetsova and Vera Zvonareva, ranked ninth. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Petrova powers on, Craybas clinches first upset in Bali Sep 10, 2008
Ukrainian qualifier Olga Savchuk spoiled the much-anticipated Bali debut of Russian Alla Kudryavtseva, who made headlines with her shock upset of Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon. In a battle of 20-year-olds, Savchuk prevailed 7-5, 6-2. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
Why Tennis Needs Federer More Than Ever Sep 10, 2008
Consider: Aside from Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova is the only woman to beat Serena in Grand Slam finals. Her 9-3 record is testament enough to her supreme level of confidence in the biggest moments. (Forbes -- Business)
Signs point to Vandeweghe being on her way Sep 9, 2008
Maria Sharapova arguably is the most visible female athlete in the world. She does fashion shoots. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
* Schiavone, Meng Yuan make second round at Bali Open Sep 9, 2008
Slovakias top seed Daniela Hantuchova received a bye into the second round and plays either Ukraines Olga Savchuk or Alla Kudryavtseva, the Russian who sensationally upset Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon. Third seeded Flavia Pennetta of Italy, hot off her first Grand Slam quarter-final at the US Open, gets her tournament underway today. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Serena Williams beats Jankovic for 3rd US Open title Sep 8, 2008
"She was just too good tonight.'' As good as Jankovic is at retrieving balls and extending points, Williams can do that with the best of them, too, leading to point after point lasting more than a dozen shots as both women scurried around Arthur Ashe Stadium, their sneakers squeaking loudly. Both sent close-range shots directly at the other. But the difference in strength was clear: Repeatedly after those lengthy exchanges, Jankovic was left shaking her racket hand, trying to lessen the sting.... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Top seed Hantuchova faces tough Bali Classic tennis Sep 8, 2008
In the second round she will meet either qualifier Olga Savchuk of Ukraine or the free-swinging Russian Alla Kudryatseva, who caused one of the year's biggest upsets by defeating Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon. Hard-hitting Savchuk was a class above Indonesian veteran Lisa Andriyani in Sunday's qualifying round, romping to a 6-0, 6-0 whitewashing. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
U.S. Open Women's Final: Williamses' rise, fall, rise again good for 'lifeblood' of tennis (Today) Sep 7, 2008
Kim Clijsters, also from Belgium, retired last year at age 23 to start a family, and Maria Sharapova, of Russia, is injured. "It's absolutely vital to the lifeblood of women's tennis that they are still around," said Mary Carillo, a CBS tennis analyst. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Djokovic goes from cheers to boos at U.S. Open Sep 6, 2008
They cheered raucously when Djokovic stuck around after winning his quarterfinal and, prompted by a TV interviewer, did spot-on impersonations of Maria Sharapova (pretending to tuck his hair behind his ears, exactly how the Russian does) and Rafael Nadal (even yanking at the back of his shorts, exactly how the Spaniard does). My, how things were different after Djokovic won his 2008 U.S. Open quarterfinal. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Changing of the guard in women's tennis Sep 6, 2008
The seduction quotient has been upped significantly with the emergence at the top of the game of Ana Ivanovic, who stands shoulder to shoulder with the sport's other glamorous, photogenic champion Maria Sharapova. They are the ad executive's perfect glamor-and-guts dream, two sportswomen (not to mention other similarly attractive female players such as Maria Kirilenko of Russia, Severine Bremond of France and Slovak Daniela Hantuchova, the top seed at the upcoming Commonwealth Bank Tennis... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Sports)
Jankovic living on the edge Sep 6, 2008
she had to fight to get anywhere in those backcourt battles with some of the planet's best kids, like Maria Sharapova, and became the No. 1 junior in the world before she left. "This is the first tournament this year that I've been completely healthy. It's a miracle I'm here," Jankovic said. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
It's no joking matter Sep 5, 2008
"It was completely meant in jest," Roddick said of teasing Djokovic, who took heat for lighthearted imitations of other players, including Nadal and Maria Sharapova. "I decided to make light of the situation. I don't know if he took it seriously. If you're going to joke and imitate other people, then you've got to take it. I've been the worst of it in the past. By no means am I being holier than thou. I'm sorry he took it that way. There's nothing else to say. I don't think I went over the line.... (Boston Globe)
Does Serena have indimidation on her side? Sep 5, 2008
Henin, like Williams a two-time champion in New York, is retired now, and Maria Sharapova is sidelined with a shoulder injury, leaving things more open for other women. Those absences eased the paths for the women who are left and are part of the reason that everyone still in the tournament has a shot at No. 1. (MSNBC -- Sports)
One year later, Djokovic turns cheers into boos Sep 5, 2008
Barkann asked for a sample, Djokovic somewhat reluctantly agreed, and then came his astonishingly precise imitations of Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova. It was a moment of genuine, spontaneous brilliance, and Djokovic became the tournament's darling. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Novak Djokovic books showdown with Roger Federer Sep 5, 2008
Djokovic was known for his impersations of the mannerisms of other players, his acts wit the mannerisms of Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and even Roddick becoming YouTube video hits. I figure if you are going to joke and imitate other people and do the whole deal, then you should take it, Roddick said. (The Australian)
Kuznetsova leads Russia on Fed Cup roster Sep 4, 2008
LONDON (AP) -Russia will be missing three top players - Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina - when it faces Spain in the Fed Cup final. They're ranked in the top 10 on the WTA Tour, but were left off the team announced Wednesday for the Sept. 13-14 matches on outdoor clay at Club de Campo in Madrid. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Wimbledon confirm move to prize money equality Sep 4, 2008
Women to receive same rewards as men for first time. Thursday February 22 2007 11:29 GMT. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Sports in Brief: Bolt set to run in fastest field for 100 meters Sep 4, 2008
Russia will be missing three top players - Maria Sharapova, Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina - when it faces Spain in the Fed Cup final on Sept. 13-14 in Madrid. Selected for the Russian team were Svetlana Kuznetsova, Vera Zvonareva, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Williams sisters say matches get easier Sep 3, 2008
Instead of continuing to swap major titles the way some sisters swap secrets, they watched Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters and others clutch those trophies and ascend to No. 1. With Henin and Clijsters retired, Sharapova sidelined by a bum shoulder, and current No. 1 Ana Ivanovic bounced by a second-round upset, the potential stumbling blocks were fewer at this tournament. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Querrey's 2nd upset of Open earns match vs. Nadal Sep 2, 2008
With the retirements of Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, a shoulder injury sidelining Maria Sharapova, and early losses by Lindsay Davenport and Svetlana Kuznetsova, the sisters are the only past U.S. Open women s champions left. One Williams or the other won the tournament every year from 1999 to 2002, but neither has made so much as a final since. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
WTA Tour Schedule-Winners Sep 2, 2008
Jan. 14-27 Australian Open, HO (Maria Sharapova) ... Feb. 18-24 Qatar Total Open, HO (Maria Sharapova) ... April 7-13 Bausch & Lomb Championships, GCO (Maria Sharapova). (International Herald Tribune)
Kevin ArmstrongVIEWPOINT Sep 1, 2008
In 2008, the year that the WTA has seen Justine Henin retire, Maria Sharapova injured and Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic play inconsistently, Dementieva has emerged as a favorite to claim the year's final Grand Slam. Able to steel herself behind a curtain of competitiveness, she chooses not to speak of being No. 1. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Stumbles slow scramble for global ranking crown Aug 31, 2008
Since Henin bowed out in May, the No. 1 ranking on the women's tour has moved around Ivanovic, Jankovic and Maria Sharapova, who is out with a shoulder injury. When the week began, six women had their chance to take the top spot by the end of the Open. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Flushed away: Kuznetsova crashes out in latest upset Aug 31, 2008
The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. Other related coverage. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Jenkins' 3-Blog Lounge Aug 31, 2008
Looking Ahead: What can save the women's draw, already hurting in the absence of Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic and the still-missed Justine Henin. First off, one of the Williams sisters (who meet in the quarterfinals) needs to reach the final. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Williams sisters closer to showdown at U.S. Open Aug 31, 2008
In Radwanska, Venus takes on someone who upset then-defending champion Maria Sharapova at the U.S. Open last year. And someone who beat Venus the only time they played. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Federer easily advances to third round in Open Aug 31, 2008
She needs three more wins with Justine Henin retired, Maria Sharapova hurt, Ivanovic out and the Williams sisters in the opposite bracket, this figures to be her best chance. Jankovic needed more than two hours to beat the 37th-ranked Zheng after playing for nearly three hours in the second round. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Fish is best man on this night Aug 31, 2008
Radwanska, who made a name for herself by upsetting defending champion Maria Sharapova in the third round here last year, will take on Venus Williams, whom she routed in their only prior meeting, two years ago indoors in Luxembourg. Sixth-seeded Dinara Safina nearly saw her hopes dashed by 60th-ranked Timea Bacsinszky before fighting back for a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Venus still out of this world Aug 31, 2008
Aggie, seeded No. 9, first gained notice by sabotaging Maria Sharapova in the third round a year ago. She was seeded No. 30 then. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Williams sisters eye US quarters affair Aug 31, 2008
In the last 16, Venus will face ninth seed Angnieska Radwanska of Poland, who made headlines at last year's US Open by sending Maria Sharapova out of the tournament in the third round. Serena will face either Severine Bremond of France or Italian Tathiana Garbin, both unseeded. (India Times, India)
No. 3 Kuznetsova falls at U.S. Open Aug 30, 2008
" Still waiting for that elusive big win, Jankovic is trying to reach her first Grand Slam final. She needs three more wins -- with Justine Henin retired, Maria Sharapova hurt, Ivanovic out and the Williams sisters in the opposite bracket, this should be her best chance. Jankovic had five match points in the final game, which went to deuce 11 times. She needed a bit of a break before her last serve; in her previous match, she chided her opponent for not being ready to receive soon enough. "I... (CNN -- International)
Venus, Serena on a collision course Aug 30, 2008
Maria Sharapova, the 2006 U. S. Open cha 00004000 mpion, is sidelined and rehabilitating a shoulder injury. And Ana Ivanovic, the top seed is gone, having been stunned in the second round by Julie Coin, a qualifier from France. (MSNBC -- Politics)
2004 champion Kuznetsova upset in Open's 3rd round Aug 30, 2008
With Justine Henin retired, Maria Sharapova out with a shoulder injury, and Davenport and Kuznetsova now gone, the only past U.S. Open champions still around were Williams and her older sister Venus whose third-round match against Alona Bondarenko is Saturday ... Djokovic created a stir at the Open last year when Maria Sharapova showed up in his box for the final, which he lost to Roger Federer. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Jon WertheimTENNIS MAILBAG Aug 30, 2008
The obvious heir apparent (Maria Sharapova) is injured. The two other bona fide stars (Venus and Serena Williams) play too few WTA events to enable their ranking to reflect their merit. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
