Sharapova returns

Maria Sharapova, given a wild card into the main draw of the US Open, faced world number 2 Simona Halep in her first match, a night match in Ashe stadium.  This was not a good draw for either player!

Sharapova’s more vociferous detractors (Bouchard, Mladenovic, Murray, the retired Capriati) undoubtedly did not expect Sharapova to win even one game against the match tough Halep.  After all, Maria no longer has the benefit of Meldonium, the drug alleged, despite the absence of any scientific tests of its effect on athletic performance, to be a performance enhancer.  But shockingly, the drug-free Sharapova dominated this match, which went three sets only because some spotty play caused Maria to give up a second set break.  Sharapova moved quite well and hit her flat, penetrating shots quite consistently for someone who must be at least a little bit rusty.  Sharapova also showed good endurance, moving well at the end of this 3-setter.  The one negative in Maria’s play was that in the 15 months she was away from the game, she did nothing to eliminate her stentorian grunting.  Tennis fans will undoubtedly accept the noise, however, if her play continues to be at such a high level. 

Garbine Muguruza’s comment on Sharapova’s return is perhaps the most meaningful – specifically, that Maria’s presence in the draw improves the tournament.  This assertion certainly proved true, as this hard fought match with Halep electrified the huge crowd and enthralled viewers from around the world.

Sharapova is not the best liked player on the tour.  She is anything but gregarious, and her good looks, great tennis and smarts have propelled her to financial success that few players will ever enjoy.  It’s hardly surprising that she engenders some resentment and, let’s be honest, jealousy, in her fellow players.  But what must be remembered about sports is that performance is the only standard by which a player should be measured.  If someone produces when on the court, then their vagaries of personality are nothing more than fodder for the tabloids. 

Maria will not win this tournament, but I, for one, enjoy watching her consummate skills and fiery competitiveness.  So from my point of view, it’s WELCOME BACK!

Other surprise wins:  Jordan Thompson beats Jack Sock in 5.  Alexandra Krunic beats Johanna Konta in 3.