Maria Sharapova looked elegant in a purple v-neck and lilac skirt designed for her by Nike. Towering over another former world number one, Justine Henin, Sharapova had youth and height on her side. It was not to be, however, as the Russian was held back by long shots and the net, despite a number of chances afforded by Henin’s double faults.
Sharapova’s shouts reached a crescendo which echoed around the court as the duo reached match point in the third set. Every long shot which was called in marked a stroke of genius for Sharapova. But too many over the line, coupled with Henin’s relentless return saw the French-speaking Belgian through to the quarter finals.
The scores were as follows:
Player |
Set 1 |
Set 2 |
Set 3 |
Maria Sharapova (Russia) |
2 |
6 |
3 |
Justine Henin |
6 |
3 |
6 |