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| Russia's Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova
returns the ball against Mashona Washington of the United States in
the final of the women's singles at the AIG Japan Open tennis
tournament in Tokyo, October 9,
2004.[Agencies] |
Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova has crushed Mashona Washington in
straight sets to successfully defend her Japan Open tennis title in
Tokyo.
The 17-year-old Russian starlet, who captured her first career WTA
singles and doubles titles a year ago in Tokyo, retained the women's crown
with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over the outclassed American on Saturday.
"I feel very good. There is nothing else I can say," said Sharapova.
"I am so happy that I could defend my title in Tokyo. I played some
really great tennis this week. I really showed my fans that I am the
Wimbledon champion. It's just a great feeling to win here."
Coming into the final, Sharapova had a 2-1 win-loss record against
Washington, all in three sets with the latest loss at New Haven in August.
But once the final started, Sharapova showed the difference between
world number 10 and 61.
Sharapova dropped only one point on her serve in the first set, while
Washington managed only one winner with an ace on her serve and was
dependent on an error from Sharapova to give her a point.
Leading 4-0 in the second set, Sharapova seemed to lose her
concentration hitting two double faults and had to save one break point in the fifth game before taking
a commanding 5-0 lead.
And when Washington finally managed to keep her serve in the six,
thanks to Sharapova's four errors, she stuck her arms into the air in
triumph -- only to see Sharappova calmly serve out for the title two
minutes later.
It was Sharapova's second straight victory in two weeks, following her
debut victory in Seoul, and sixth title overall.
After her Japan victory last year, Sharapova collected titles at Quebec
City and Birmingham before beating former world number one Serena Williams
to take Wimbledon.
Sharapova, who received the winner's check of 8,000 dollars, also won
her first professional title in the ITF Circuit series in Gunma, north of
Tokyo, two years ago.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-10-09 16:18