On Friday, 17-year-old Sharapova defeated her compatriot Vera Zvonaryova.
For a player who had lost her first two matches and lost all chances for qualifying to the next round, Zvonaryova played a very aggressive tennis and managed to keep her focus throughout the match. Sharapova had to tap her full potential to overcome the opponent's stiff resistance.
Sharapova secured her success in the first set breaking Zvonaryova early in the match. She won the set 6-4.
The second set was a seesaw battle, with Zvonaryova making fantastic saves and refusing to give in to the very last moment. In all fairness, however, one must admit that Sharapova displayed a more powerful and consistent tennis.
Sharapova managed to break Zvonaryova's serve when the score was 5-5, which in the end sealed the outcome of the match. The 17-year-old came out the winner in this harrowing contest.
So far, Maria Sharapova has scored two victories in her two opening matches at the tournament.
