Maria Sharapova chalked up her fourth-round exit at the French Open to one thing: a lack of matches.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion hadn’t played in a tournament since April 1 because of an injured right ankle, and she wasted a 5-1 lead in the final set on Sunday against Dinara Safina before losing 7-5, 2-6, 7-5.
”Unfortunately, I haven’t played a lot of matches in the past weeks and don’t feel like I’m match-tough enough,” the fourth-seeded Sharapova said.
”Of course, I’m disappointed, but I didn’t think I’d be playing my best tennis here.”
Against Safina, a 20-year-old Russian who’s the younger sister of Marat Safin, Sharapova blew two set points in the first set, then served for the match twice in the third. Sharapova made three consecutive forehand errors to lose her serve in the 10th game, making it five-all in the final set.
”I don’t think she has a lot of confidence right now,” Russian Fed Cup captain Larisa Neiland said.
”She pulled out from Rome, and she didn’t play anything last week, and I just think she’s uncomfortable. She needs matches.”
Sharapova believes she’ll be back in form by the time Wimbledon starts June 26.
”I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well,” she said. ”The main thing is I haven’t been able to play matches. It’s really tough to come out and play a Grand Slam when you haven’t had matches, especially for me on clay.” – Sapa-AP