2014 in review: Sharapova proves her resilience in Paris

Originally published on 25/12/14

Eugenie Bouchard took up tennis after being inspired by Maria Sharapova and was given a personal demonstration of the Russian’s fighting qualities in the semi-finals of the French Open. Sharapova triumphed after losing the first set for the third match in succession at Roland Garros, winning 4-6 7-5 6-2 to reach her third Paris final in a row.

When Sharapova went on to beat Simona Halep to claim her second French Open title it was no surprise when the match went to three sets, although the Russian did at least win the opener on this occasion. Remarkably, it was her 20th victory in a row in matches on clay that had gone to three sets.

“I would love to win those matches in two sets, but I always feel like I put in the work to be ready to play whatever it takes,” Sharapova said. “If it takes three hours to win the match in three sets, I will be ready for that. I will do whatever it takes.”

No.1: Li Na brings the house down in Melbourne

No.2: Wawrinka emerges from Federer's shadow
No.3 Keothavong pays tribute to Baltacha

This is an excerpt from "2014: That Was The Year That Was" in Volume 5 Issue 6. Subscribe to the magazine today or download tennishead on iTunes.

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