Sharapova determined to wreck Ash’s party
MARIA Sharapova has scant regard for sentiment, much less the fervent host nation Australian Open ambitions for Ash Barty.
Into the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the first time since testing positive to a banned substance after quarterfinal defeat to Serena Williams in 2016, Sharapova now has Barty firmly in her sights.
Jubilant after eliminating de- fending champion Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, Sharapova acknowledged Barty’s emergence, while giving every hint she will revel in the role as spoiler.
“I think her (Barty) story is phenomenal – she loves playing here, did extremely well last week in Sydney,” Sharapova said.
“I know she took a little break from the game and came back.
“It’s going to be a tough crowd, but I go out to perform and play tennis.”
Trailing in each of the first two sets, Sharapova again paraded the ruthless tenacity for which she is renowned.
Champion at Melbourne Park in 2008, the Russian also owns a Wimbledon (’04), US Open (’06) and two French Open crowns (’12 and ’14) as a mark of her longevity.