Originally published on: 18/03/13 00:00
The Russian produced an aggressive performance to over power former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-2 to capture her first WTA title of the season and second at the BNP Paribas Open, where she last won in 2006.
"The scoreline makes the match look a lot easier than it was – it was a tough match, a tough battle, and there were a lot of games that went to deuce and long games," Sharapova said. "I thought I was being aggressive, but I was doing the right things and being patient enough and looking for the right shot when I wanted to move in a little bit.”
Sharapova’s performance in the California desert sees her leapfrog the unbeaten Victoria Azarenka into second place in the world rankings, one behind Serena Williams.
The 25-year-old has now won at least one title every year since 2003. "I don't think I have gray hairs yet, but as the years go by, I'm still very lucky that I'm here and that I'm still doing it and that I still love it and have the passion to do it."
Next up for Sharapova is the Sony Open in Miami, which she has never won.
