The final tournament of the International Tennis Association with a prize fund of 3 million US dollars is, of course, a very prestigious competition, and if it is inferior in girlish dreams to victories at the Grand Slam tournaments, then not at all. But this year, the organizers of the Sony Ericsson Championships have reason to double for joy. The results of the tournament in Madrid should determine not only the strongest tennis player of the year, but also the mistress of the first line in the WTA ranking, a new version of which was published today. In it, Maria Sharapova came close to the leading Amelie Moresmo: the gap between the two tennis players is only 15 points. Since the Frenchwoman won the final tournament last year, this time she will have to defend her points. And be sure to go to the finals. In the event of an early departure of Moresmo, the victory of Sharapova, a favorite of fans and bookmakers, will make Maria the first racket of the world.
A bit more complicated, but no less intriguing situation in the champion race. Three tennis players aspire to the final first place - Justine Henin-Ardenne (3473 points in 2006), Sharapova (3297) and Moresmo (3022). However, in reality, most likely, the Belgian and Russian women will challenge the title of the strongest. To become the first, Sharapova, and here it is necessary to win and hope that Ardennes will not go further than the semifinals.
And this task is now quite capable of Mary. After all, both Moresmo and Ardennes will not arrive in Madrid in the best shape. The Frenchwoman will not get rid of a shoulder injury, because of which she could not play at full strength at the Kremlin Cup, and later in Zurich refused to participate during the tournament. Justine, due to a recurrence of a knee injury, has not participated in official competitions for almost two months and, according to the Belgian press, is going to Madrid not only without treatment, but also not in a good mood.
And yet the unimportant form of the rivals is not the main reason to believe in the final success of Sharapova, who at the end of this season shows almost the best tennis in her career. Following the September triumph at the US Open, Maria won two major tournaments in Zurich and Linz, significantly improving her place in both WTA ratings and significantly raising her spirits.
“Winning two titles in a row is so cool!” Sharapova admits in her weekly blog. “I wasn’t sure that I had enough strength for these victories, but still overcame myself and found the key to success. Any fatigue can be overcome if to set yourself up for the game correctly. I’m very glad that Madrid is my last stop, and my home will be the next destination. It's time for the holidays! "
Andrey IVANTSOV