Tennis

Sharapova upset by 81st-ranked player

(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-18 10:38

BIRMINGHAM, England - Maria Sharapova was upset by 81st-ranked Jamea Jackson 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals of the DFS Classic on Saturday, just the fourth loss in 37 matches on grass for the top-seeded Russian.

Jackson will play Vera Zvonareva in Sunday's final after the Russian beat American qualifier Meilen Tu 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the other semifinal.

In her match against Jackson, Sharapova even received a code of conduct warning after her father, Yuri, gave her advice.

Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, lost twice on grass in 2003 and once last year.

"Jamea served well and took the lead early and that kind of set the tone for the match," Sharapova said. "I dug a hole from the beginning and couldn't find a way out."

Sharapova was disappointed, but said her main goal is to be ready for Wimbledon.

"I have to look ahead. I am going to London and will start preparing for Wimbledon," she said. "I will be working hard and looking forward to playing my favorite Grand Slam."