Aisopos blog

Sharapova slumps on Fed Cup return

PARIS (AFP) – Maria Sharapova's first Fed Cup appearance in three years ended in tame defeat on Saturday as four-time champions Russia went 2-0 down to France in their World Group quarter-final clash in Moscow.

Sharapova, desperately trying to rebuild her career after a long struggle with shoulder trouble, lost 6-3, 6-4 to Virginie Razzano, the world number 83.

Alize Cornet had earlier given the injury-hit visitors a 1-0 lead, producing a surprise win of her own, a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph over Svetlana Kuznetsova.

"I was giving her far too many free points, I wasn?t serving well, and I wasn?t really being aggressive on the court and I was giving her the opportunity to hit the first ball, and I think the court really suited her today," said Sharapova.

Russia need to win all of Sunday's three matches to avoid being eliminated in the first round for the first time in six years.

However, Sharapova believes Russia still have a chance of turning the match around.

"We are going to go out and fight. We never give up and that?s not what our country is known for, and we are going to go out there and battle for what is ours," said Sharapova.

Sunday's winners will tackle either Australia or defending champions Italy, who were locked at 1-1 in Hobart, in the semi-finals.

Flavia Pennetta drew double defending champions Italy level with a gutsy victory over Samantha Stosur.

World No.16 Pennetta maintained her edge over the world number five Stosur, winning 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 in over three hours.

Jarmila Groth gave Australia the early advantage with a spirited comeback victory over world number four, and French Open champion, Francesca Schiavone, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3.

In Antwerp, Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters and Yanina Wickmayer put Belgium 2-0 ahead of the United States.

Wickmayer beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 7-6 (8/6) and Clijsters defeated Melanie Oudin 6-0, 6-4.

Runners-up for the last two years, USA are playing without the injured Williams sisters.

"It was fun to be out here playing again," said Clijsters.

"Obviously it's nice to come here and play after a win because the people have been so supportive. I've kept them up during the night with the time change with Australia and it's nice to be back here, but I do look forward to having a few days off."

The winners of the tie will face either the Czech Republic or Slovakia in the last four.

The Czechs opened up a 2-0 lead after the first day in Bratislava thanks to straight sets wins for Lucie Safarova and Petra Kvitova.