GRUDGE? NO! I JUST REALLY LIKE WINNING
Sharapova gets one over on rival Wozniacki
MARIA SHARAPOVA insisted “I just really like winning” after conquering Caroline Wozniacki in their grudge match at the Australian Open.
The two former champions had not played since the Russian failed a drug test here in 2016 and the Dane was a vocal critic of her preferential treatment on her return to the game.
The spat intensified when Sharapova’s agent branded Rory Mcilroy’s ex, a close friend of Serena Williams, a “journeyman player.”
The tension was clear in a fierce baseline battle before the 2008 winner triumphed 6-4 4-6 6-3 against the defending champion.
And the post-match handshake was as icy as a Siberian winter as Sharapova announced herself as a serious contender for her first Major title since 2014.
Asked if she got extra satisfaction from beating Wozniacki, the fivetime Grand Slam champion said: “I just really like winning. I’m just really happy and proud of the way I competed today. I’m into the fourth round so that’s all that matters.”
The world No.30, now dating Etonian millionaire Alexander Gilkes, came back from 4-1 down in the first set and celebrated with a huge yell as she broke in the seventh game of the third set. She hit 37 winners and dominated the longer rallies. “It was a match that I looked forward to when the draw came out,” said the 2004 Wimbledon champion.
“I thought it was, as usual, a physical match. I put a lot of pressure on her. These are the types of matches I train for so it’s really rewarding to win that last point.”
Wozniacki, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last summer, was asked about her relationship with Sharapova.
“I think our terms are the same as they have always been,” said the world No.3. “I think she doesn’t really talk to anybody. She just has her team and does her own thing. And that’s that.
“I do my own thing. I have my friends, and that’s that. We are on tour. We are competitors. We try our hardest out there on court and fight our hardest.
“It just wasn’t enough today. I did my best. She was a little bit better than me. That’s sports sometimes.”
Sharapova will take on home favourite Ash Barty and the Aussie fans in the fourth round. “I know it is going to be a tough crowd – I need to go out and perform,” she said.