March 26, 2014

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova

I've seen 4-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova play in person a couple of times and countless times on television. With the exception of winning a slam, her reaction to winning this match on the stadium court at the Sony Open in Miami was the most excited I think I've ever seen her.  After nine match points against Lucie Safarova, Maria sealed the victory (an hour after her first match point) and appeared absolutely elated.  Post-match, it's now customary for the winner to autograph the TV camera lens, and I read later that Maria wrote "Why I play this game!"  You have to respect her sheer grit and determination on the court. Off the court, Maria has ties to -- Sarasota! Years ago, she left Russia to train at the Bolletieri Academy in neighboring Bradenton and apparently she still spends time in the Sarasota area.  People in the know tell me she's been spotted more than once in downtown Sarasota.  Thus, I always keep my eyes open and looking at about the 6'2" level when I'm wandering around downtown.  You never know who you might see!

2 comments:

Lowell said...

It's a colorful outfit and you've captured well her feeling of elation!

Jack said...

6'2" ! That is a very tall woman. The force she must be able to develop would make her serve very hard for smaller women to handle.

If you see her around town, say "hi" for me.