Will Maria Sharapova still have a good season?

January 18, 2010

Can Sharapova still have a good season despite taking an early exit in Melbourne?

You read it, the 2010 Australian Open is already done with Maria Sharapova as quickly as premature ejaculation.

We can’t say we’re surprised though. With the way Maria Sharapova has been playing dating as far back as her injury-riddled campaign last year, to say that she no longer has the form that has caught the eye of most tennis fans is an understatement.

Sharapova, seeded no.14, lost her very first match in the Australian Open, losing to the unseeded Maria Kirilenko 7-6, 3-6, 6-4. With a disappointing start to her 2010 campaign, can we still expect Sharapova to have a good year?

2009 was a disastrous season for the Russian tennis sensation. Last year was so disappointing that she was looking forward for a fresh start this year, looking for a solid outing in Melbourne at the 2010 Australian Open.

Unfortunately for her, it looks like she hasn’t fully recovered from the shoulder injury that has kept her out for most of last year’s Grand Slam season.

This year will be a crucial year for Sharapova as she needs to reestablish herself is she wants to stay relevant. Sharapova began her 2010 season with two exhibition matches, with Venus Williams in Hua Hin, Thailand. She defeated Williams 6-3, 6-4 in the singles. However, she lost in the mixed doubles partnering with Paradorn Srichaphan.

Sharapova continued her preparation for the Australian Open at the Hong Kong Tennis Classic where she competed as the captain of Team Russia, against the American team led by Venus Williams, Team Europe led by Caroline Wozniacki and Team Asia-Pacific captained by Zheng Jie.
Sharapova defeated Zheng Jie and Caroline Wozniacki en route to helping Team Russia become the Gold Group champions.

Sharapova should ease back into the top 10 this year. She is still the same competitor with an aggressive baseliner, with power, depth, and angles on her forehand and backhand. Sure, she started 2010’s first Grand Slam season with a disappointing loss but knowing Sharapova, she’ll bounce right back soon enough.

Who will win the 2010 Australian Open? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Men’s Division

Roger Federer 3.50

Rafael Nadal 5.50

Novak Djokovic 8.00

Andy Murray 6.50

Women’s Division

Serena Williams 4.50

Venus Williams 17.00

Maria Sharapova 11.00

Justine Henin 6.00

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more tennis betting odds. Want to watch tennis live? Get sporting events tickets online now.

Australian Open Maria Sharapova

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