Sharapova is Out
The biggest upset at the Open in years: The defending U.S. Open Champion Maria Sharapova has been eliminated. The unflappable 18-year-old Agnieszka Radwanska won in three sets, taking the third 6-2. It's the first time Sharapova hasn't made it to the second week at the Open since 2004.
I'll have updates on this unbelievable result shortly.
Contrary to popular belief, the result is not particularly surprising; Sharapova is a shell of her former self. Incidentally, the shoulder woes have now lasted too long to be casually dismissed as a "nagging injury." There is obviously something more serious at play here, and one would think it wiser to take time off to address the injury than to continue entering unwinnable tournaments and risking further injury.
I think Sharapova wants to take time off but is worried that if she stops producing cash, Yuri will sell her into sex slavery in Belarus.
Look, Sharapova is a power player. She relies on power and grit to get her through. She's not sufficiently athletic to chase down a lot of balls. Nor is she sufficiently skilled at net to win easy points on volleys. She needs a big serve and big groundstrokes. The former is missing, and she needs it back before she can have a reasonable expectation of winning a grand slam.
The shoulder may well be a factor, but her concentration has been lacking, as well.
Well, in fairness to Maria, how can anyone expect her to concentrate? I mean, how would YOU like it if, as soon as you lost a match, your dad stormed into the locker room and threatened to turn you over to a Malaysian sex cartel?
I agree. She needs to take time off. The grand-slam season is about over now, so she can afford to rest and prepare for Australia.
Good riddance. The screaming, the questionable sportswomanship? Who needs it?