Maria Sharapova Claims US Open Title

Maria Sharapova defied the odds by beating Justine Henin-Hardenne in the final round of the US Open, in an hour and a half, 6-4, 6-4. Proving to everyone, fans and detractors alike, that she is not just a one grand slammer, the young Russian brushed aside a 4-1 record in head-to-head wins that Henin-Hardenne holds over her in collecting her second grand slam title.
In the first set, Henin-Hardenne led Sharapova after she double-faulted twice in the second game of the first set at 2-0. Sharapova maintainedher composure, waited for Henin-Hardenne to make errors, then hit her shot once an opportunity presented itself. True enough, Sharapova, aided with her big serves and deadly forehands, won the next two games to even the score at 2-2. The two players then held their respective serves twice before Sharapova broke Henin-Hardenne’s serve in the ninth game, courtesy of three groundstroke errors made by the tenacious Belgian, making the young Russian serve for the set, 5-4. A determined Sharapova fought Henin-Hardenne’s charge shot by shot in the tenth game until she ended up holding her serve, thereby winning the first set, 6-4, in forty-five minutes.
Sharapova’s first set triumph pumped her confidence as she warded off attempts by Henin-Hardenne to break her serve. Though double faulting twice in the second serve, Sharapova picked up her game and matched Henin-Hardenne’s great service game. After six games, the two players won three games apiece, and held their respective serves. As the second set progressed, Sharapova’s confidence grew, often times coming to the net with great success. Henin-Hardenne’s game was crumbling, incurring a double fault, and a failed drop shot. Sharapova then won the seventh game by breaking Henin-Hardenne’s serve, 4-3. Then with her great service game and wide court coverage, Sharapova sealed the next game with an ace for a 5-3 lead. Sensing an upset, Henin-Hardenne held her serve to prolong the match at least for another game, narrowing Sharapova’s lead to 5-4. There was nothing Henin-Hardenne could do as Sharapova had answers to every shot Henin-Hardenne unleashed. Sharapova then won the set in forty-five minutes, 6-4, and the match after converting the second match point.
Just when it occurred to her that she won the US Open, Sharapova then dropped to her knees, then ran towards her beaten foe and kissed her. She then went to the stands to give her father, Yuri Sharapov, a big hug before going back to court and called her mother using her mobile phone.
“I figured I lost the last four times to Justine, so I figured I had to do the total opposite, but I have to congratulate her on an amazing career and reaching all four finals this year,” Sharapova said.
“I want to congratulate Maria, she played great today and the last two weeks and deserves her victory. The best player won tonight, and I hope I’ll have another chance in the future,” Henin-Hardenne said.