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Sharapova takes out Davenport at Dubai
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-25 14:52
"I was not patient enough, and my concentration was not good," said Hingis,
ranked 50th after a three-year retirement. "My aim right now is to get seedings
in tournaments. That should give me a few easy first-round matches. If I can
achieve that, I will start thinking of other goals."
Sharapova will play for her 11th career title, and first since June. She's
lost her last three matches to Henin-Hardenne, including a match at the
Australian Open.
"I am looking forward to playing against Justine," she said. "We had a great
match when we last played at the Australian Open semifinals, and I lost because
a couple of points went against me."
Henin-Hardenne's appearance this week was her first since she retired in the
Australian Open final against Mauresmo because of severe stomach pain caused by
anti-inflammatory medication for a shoulder injury.
She hasn't dropped a set in three matches, extending her record in Dubai to
11-0 following titles in 2003 and 2004. The Belgian will be aiming for her 25th
career title and second this year.
Mauresmo led 3-2 in the first-set tiebreaker Thursday when rain washed out
the remaining matches. On Friday, she struggled to keep the ball in play and
lost 13-11 in the tiebreaker.
The Frenchwoman led 3-0 in the second set before Kuznetsova rallied.
Consecutive forehands into the net by Mauresmo gave the Russian another break in
the ninth game. The 2004 U.S. Open champion then held serve to wrap up the
match.
"Even at 3-0 up in the second set, I felt I was never in control," Mauresmo
said. "I am now looking forward to a couple of day's rest before my next
tournament."
Davenport was disappointed to win only one game against Sharapova in the
second set.
"I am very satisfied with the way I played the first and third sets, but I
really have no idea what happened in the second set," Davenport said. "I am
looking forward to Indian Wells in two weeks, because I have always done well in
California."
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