What a great result for Maria Sharapova!
The Russian Beauty had a very tough tournament in Paris. Maria won the last 4 matches in 3 sets (the first 3 coming from a set down) and the final wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Simona Halep was at her very best to put up a fierce fight for the entire match. Maria was 1 set and 2-0 up, but the Romanian didn’t want to let go to recover and win the set at the tiebreak. The third set was a sheer battle with lots of breaks and counter breaks. Eventually Maria took off from a 4-4 score line to win the last 2 games at 0.
Maria: This was my toughest final
The Russian praised Simona for her effort “This was the toughest Grand Slam final I’ve ever played,” Sharapova said in her on-court interview afterwards.
I can’t believe it. I never thought seven or eight years ago that I’d win more Roland Garroses when I was 27 years old than any other Grand Slam. It’s a dream come true. This tournament means so much to me. And to think I’ve won it two times now. I’m so emotional, I can’t even talk right now!”
Simona: I hope to have many more slam finals
The young Romanian was disappointed for the final, but she was still happy for the overall tournament “This is my first Grand Slam final speech, but I wish to have many more. First I’d like to say congratulations Maria. You’re a great champion and you played really well, and you really deserved this title. I wish you all of the best for the future.
I’ve had two incredible weeks here. It was an amazing tournament for me. I played my best and I’m happy you guys all came every match to support me. I want to thank all of you – and also to the people back home in Romania, I just want to say thank you to all of you as well for all of your support.”
New Rankings
After this Roland Garros, Maria will climb in the rankings from the current world no.8 to world no.5. Simona will become the new world no.3.
Well done to both!