Sharapova wins comeback title in Tokyo
* Russian claims first title in 18 months
* Wrist injury forces Jankovic to retire (Adds more quotes, detail)
By Alastair Himmer
TOKYO, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova won her second Pan Pacific Open title after Jelena Jankovic retired with a wrist injury in Saturday’s final.
It was Sharapova’s first title since shoulder surgery last October and the 20th of her career. Her last tournament win came at Amelia Island in April 2008.
The Russian was leading 5-2 when seventh seed Jankovic complained of shooting pains down her right arm and called for the trainer to tape up her wrist at the changeover.
The Serb managed just two more points after a medical timeout before throwing in the towel.
“These things happen but I’ll certainly take it,” Sharapova told reporters after the abbreviated final, her second of the year after a runner-up finish in Toronto in August.
“It’s great to have that adrenaline again,” added the three-times grand slam winner, set to break into the world’s top 20 after coming into the $2 million Tokyo event ranked 25th.
“It’s funny to win trophies again after thinking I might never be able to hit a tennis ball again. But I’m back and I’m hungry. I can be better than before and win more grand slams.”
Sharapova, who has now beaten the 2008 year-end number one Jankovic in five of their six meetings, also won the Pan Pacific Open crown in 2005.
TOKYO CHARM
Four of her 20 WTA Tour titles, including her breakthrough victory at the 2003 Japan Open, have come in Tokyo.
“It’s a special place for me,” said Sharapova, who had recovered from 2-0 down to rattle off five straight games before Jankovic’s retirement.
“I’m proud of how I stepped it up,” continued the 22-year-old, a third-round loser at last month’s U.S. Open.
“After an early loss in a grand slam I didn’t just put my head down and go on vacation.”
Jankovic admitted her participation in next week’s China Open may be in doubt.
“I had real pain in the shoulder going down to my wrist,” said the world number eight. “The wrist is swollen and the whole arm is inflamed.
“I’ll see if I can play in Beijing after I get treatment. I wanted to finish but I couldn’t even hold the racquet. I had to stop or risk maybe not being able to finish the year.” (Editing by Peter Rutherford; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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I am sure that if everyone's true address, phone number, and photo were placed alongside their comments, people would be a LOT less obnoxious on here. These disgusting comments are an indication of ignorance and cowardice. You aren't "tough" or "provocative"; you are simply immature.
Grow up already...
As for Maria, she is an incredible talent. Three major titles, ranked #1 in the world more than once, and something like $12 Million in prize money can't be ignored. She is also battling back from a devastating injury (I'm not sure, but I think it might be similar to what's called the "Tommy John" surgery). As a result, her service motion has been altered, and she has really struggled with her serve. Still, no woman has a more deadly forehand than her. She can place it in the far corners like no one else.
She isn't the only great female player out there, but she IS one of them. That is simply a fact.
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she should be " tennis's leading lady" because in all fairness no other player has even come close
to that number of slams, right? Oh, I forgot Serena did it all in the same year,didn't she? but then again she's not blonde so she doesn't qualify for tennis's leading lady. Give me a break.
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I don't see any Slam victories in her immediate future, but it will be GREAT for the WTA to have her back at full strength on the tour!
it seems that this guess is a little bit different from what you said: anything can happen. thru what clijsters did in uso, everyone can clearly understand your conclusion is full of philosophy. but, your comment on sharapova sounds a bit off track. please, don't think i'm attacking you, if you're offended, i would send my deep apology for my carelessness.
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Igor!
"remember you will need beat one dude at least"
Igor..."you will need beat"...Clingon? Martian? Smackedassonian? Igorian? PLEASE utilize a "Stupid Uneducated Gibbirish English-to-English" translator! Now, I know that you're currently unemployed and have been for the past 37 years, and that you've never had any formal education outside of your filthy whore mother's/sister's brothel, but SERIOUSLY, Igor! Try to obtain SOME fomal education! Being an inbred idiot is NOT an excuse for being so stupid!
Hey, Igor! "Reading is FUN-damental!" :-) Writing well is also pretty groovy, too... :-)
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Can’t stop a fish from drowning?? WTF indeed. Read exactly what my post said first as ONE word is different. Newbies like you without any tennis understanding or history shouldn’t post senseless ramblings unless they can make the connection. Jelena and Serena met in one important final. Enough said.
If my assessment of injury is unfair, what about Nole retiring against Andy Roddick at this year’s Australian Open quarters… as defending champion. You’re right. Everyone is “allowed” an injury. At least Rafa allowed himself to be pummeled by Juan Martin instead of calling it quits from injury. Foolish maybe, but clearly demonstrating he “goes down fighting”...
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Jelena on the other hand couldn't save a fish from drowning... in water. Where was she last year against Serena in the USO, and why was she nowhere to be seen at the end of the match in Japan? Sense?
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Claude C reveals HIS special brand of stupidity with a bigoted rant against tennis' Leading Lady, Ms. Maria Sharapova. She will always be admired and long remembered, while he will be scorned and quickly forgotten.
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