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Midland Preview
February 1st
2003
by Matt
Donaldson
As it says
below, the draw was made earlier today for the USTA event in Midland, MI. Maria
hasnt been given the easiest route, but it is one she is capable of progressing
through based on the form of those around her.
Her first round opponent is Shenay Perry, ranked 249 in the world, who received
a wild card entry into the tournament. It would certainly be a shock if Maria
was to lose this match. Her rank is almost 100 higher than that of her opponent,
and Perry has only competed in one tournament this season, entering the
qualifying for Tokyo last week, and was knocked out in the second round without
making the main draw. The two have met once before, in September last year on
the hard court of Peachtree (an event Maria went on to win), when Maria was
victorious in 2 sets, 6-3, 7-5.
Should she win, her second round opponent should be the 5th seed, 115th ranked
Smantha Reeves. Although behind in the rankings, Maria can take heart that she
has only won one match this season, a first round qualifier at Sydney before
being knocked out in the next round, and then exiting first round in Melbourne.
Whether or not Maria will emerge with victory in that match is hard to call,
Maria's confidence will be high following her first appearance in the Australian
Open, but will need to play well to progress. If this is the case, she will
probably face the 3rd seed Sarah Taylor in the qurter final, ranked 83, but also
suffering a little in terms of form, and then top seed in the semi, Laura
Granville, who despite not playing to the level that her #45 ranking would
suggest, and being knocked out of Canberra by Maria's Melbourne doubles partner
Marion Bartoli, must be favourite to take the title.
Following her first round, Maria's progress will be very difficult. However, if
she wins in the second round, her confidence could grow and she could cause an
upset. Certainly all the players she faces on the way to the final are not in
scintilating form, and so can be beaten.
-------------------------------------
Round 1: vs Shenay Perry. Maria in straight sets
Round 2: vs Samantha Reeves. Maria in three
Quarter Final: vs Sarah Taylor. Taylor in three (might be v.close)
Semi Final: Taylor vs Laura Granville. Granville in straights
Final: Granville vs Alina Jidkova. Granville in straights
Visit the Maria Sharapova page here
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