Sunday, April 27, 2014

Sharapova wins Stuttgart for third consecutive year

Maria Sharapova had the relaxed look of experience today as she drove her new blue Porsche off the ramp and onto the red clay of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. But before she could get the keys to her new car, the two-time defending champion had to fight back from being a set and a break down against Ana Ivanovic. Ivanovic spent the first set giving Sharapova the "one-two" that Sharapova is known for delivering to her opponents. Ivanovic went up 5-0 in that set, won it 6-2, then went up 3-1 in the second set.

Was it almost over? Of course not. This was Sharapova (and this was Ivanovic), who turned on the switch we've seen her turn on so many times before. Ivanovic was a point away from going up 4-1, but that was as close as she would come to at least giving the appearance that the end was near. Sharapova got the break back, took the second set 6-4, and then cruised through the final set 6-1.

This is the Russian's 30th WTA title. She is now 8-2 against Ivanovic.

Sharapova is a brand ambassador for Porsche. The latest Sugarpova gummy candy is Speedy ("Sweet Ride"), a replica of the Porsche 911.

Top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci won the doubles title. In the final, they defeated 2nd seeds Cara Black and Sania Mirza, 6-2, 6-3. Errani and Vinci hadn't won a title since their Australian Open defense, so this victory is a reminder of how good they are on clay. (During the trophy ceremony, the emcee suggested that the Italian pair lobby for Porsches to be awarded to the doubles champions, so Vinci turned to the Porsche representatives and asked for her car!)

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