Tianjin winner Maria Sharapova has lost her opening match at the WTA Premier Tournament in Moscow.The 30-year-old Russian was defeated by Linz finalist Magdalena Rybarikova 6:7 (3), 4:6.
Return failed!Maria Sharapova has already failed in the first round ten years after her last appearance at the Kremlin Cup.Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova, who was placed eighth in the standings, had to admit defeat after 1 hour and 55 minutes.
In the following interview, the winner gave her feelings free rein:”It was very difficult because I felt like I was in the Fed Cup.Maria is the absolute superstar here, I’m happy to have won this match.”
Rybarikova’s key to victory was the low error rate.While number 26 in the world only 17 Unforced Errors were committed, Sharapova made 46 inherent mistakes.With the slice backhand and numerous dropshots, Rybarikova successfully defended herself against the power tennis of the former world rankings firsts and finally earned a deserved victory.
Sharapova had her 36th birthday last week in Tianjin.It was the first title after her ban on doping.