Under the watchful eye of the world’s media, former world No.1 Maria Sharapova didn’t disappoint at the Stuttgart Open after defeating Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-3, in the first round of the premier tournament.
Wednesday’s clash wasn’t just the start of Sharapova’s return, it was also the first day she could legally play a WTA tour match following a 15-month suspension for failing a drugs test. Walking onto the court simultaneously with Vinci, there were no signs of a negative atmosphere inside the packed Porsche Arena.
“It’s the best feeling in the world. This first few seconds before you enter the arena, you know, its been a stage of mine since I was a young girl.” Said Sharapova. “To know that I would be walking back on was really special. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
Sharapova and Vinci walk out @PorscheTennis. pic.twitter.com/abARZQqy8W
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) 26 April 2017
Sharapova’s absence from the tour was reflected in her game. Struggling to generate rhythm at the start of the match, it was world No.36 Vinci that was in control. The desire to win was evident on the faces of both players. Sharapova was looking for a dream start to her return, whilst Vinci wanted to down a player she had publicly condemned for being awarded a wildcard.
An error stricken start by the former world No.1 was soon corrected as she broke back during a marathon five-deuce game before levelling the proceedings 2-2. Unlike their two previous meetings, which was dominated by the Russian, Vinci’s resistance ensured a closely contested encounter. Sharapova’s high intensity in the match, featuring 24 winners in the opening set, eventually granted her the breakthrough she sought. At 5-5, a Vinci serve out wide was met with interest as the Russian hit a clear backhand winner down the line to break for a 6-5 lead. Fighting towards the one-set lead, it was a stroke of luck the brought her triumph. On her second set point, the ball bounce off the net onto the service line, leaving Vinci unimpressed.
Part of Sharapova’s surge was her opponent’s tentative serve. Unknown as to why, 34-year-old Vinci continuously hit to Sharapova’s hitting area, allowing the Russian to return shots with force. The strategy cost the Italian dearly at the start of set two as Sharapova broke once more to extend her stronghold on the match. Still, there were battles to be won on route to the victory. One of the most notable was a 10-minute Sharapova Service game, where she saved a trio of break points.
Closing in on her first tour win since January 2016, the Superiority of Sharapova’s serve just got better and better. Ace no.11 elevated the Russian to 5-3, four points away from victory. The match was then sealed by a love service game in Sharapova’s favour, which concluded with a Vinci backhand hitting the net.
It’ll be an all-Russian affair in the second round when #Sharapova takes on compatriot #Makarova.#PTGP2017 pic.twitter.com/GdF78jL9dT
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) 26 April 2017
“It’s my first match in a while, but this is what I have done for so long. When you’re in the moment you try to block everything out and you compete. I’m a competitor by nature, even when things are not working.” The delighted 30-year-old said following her win.
Despite her lengthy absence from the tour, Sharapova has been kept busy with other ventures such as her own business. The suspension might in some way been a blessing in disguise for the five-time grand slam champion, who credits her break from the sport as something that has given her a boost.
“I didn’t know when I would be back. I wanted to do other things in my life and to learn and to explore. I went to school for a little bit, I was working a little bit, growing my business and I had a pretty normal life for a while.” Said Sharapova.
“I kept in shape, but I definitely put my racket away for a little bit. I think it really invigorated me for when I came back in January and started training.”
Securing her 14th win in Stuttgart, Sharapova will play compatriot Ekaterina Makarova in the second round. She currently dominates their head-to-head 6-0, but the Russian isn’t too concern of who she will be facing. For Sharapova it is currently about playing as many matches as possible.
“I think every match no matter who I play is important for me. It’s important to play points, to play games, to play sets. That’s what I want.” She said.
It’s a journey. It starts today and i’m looking forward to playing as many matches as I can.”
Sharapova’s second round match will be tomorrow afternoon.
