Sharapova Wins Linz Title
31st October 2006
Top-seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia collected her fifth title of the season by beating second seed and fellow Russian Nadia Petrova in the final round of the Generali Ladies Linz in Austria, 7-5,6-2 in one hour and twenty-two minutes.
Sharapova drew first blood by breaking Petrova’s serve in the first game of the match. Petrova, though, was quick to race to a 5-3 lead over Sharapova. However, an inspired Sharapova battled back from 40-15 and double set point, halting Petrova’s charge. The Russian teenager made a great comeback, as she won the next four games to secure the first set, 7-5.
In the second set, Sharapova took charge, as she led Petrova 3-2 and surrendered just one point. Sharapova never gave Petrova any chance to get back into the game, as she finished the match by winning the next three games for a 6-2 second set win. With her win over Petrova, Sharapova is now 5-1 in career head-to-head wins.
Throughout the tournament, Sharapova never dropped a set, but her way to claiming the title was by no means a walk in the park. She has to exert a lot of efforts in beating players like Ana Ivanovic and Patty Schnyder. Petrova, meanwhile, had a solid week, with several easy matches.
“It’s been an incredible year,” said Sharapova. “Winning another major has been great. It’s been a really cool year. I’ve been consistent and have had some great results.”
“I am so disappointed,” Petrova said. “I really got my chances in the first set. But after missing them, I just did not play up to my usual standards anymore.”
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