Wimbledon Champion Shines Brightly in Acura Classic Debut

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova dazzled a capacity crowd of over 6,500 at the Acura Classic as she blasted her way past American qualifier Lilia Osterloh, 6-3, 6-3, in a Tuesday night match at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

Playing in her first tournament since winning Wimbledon, the sixth-seeded Russian used an early service break on her way to winning the first set, 6-3 as the crowd was still settling in on Stadium Court.

In the second set, Sharapova took a 4-1 lead and looked on her way to a routine victory.

Osterloh had different thoughts as she took advantage of two double faults by Sharapova to break serve.

The American got to 3-4 after holding serve.

In the eighth game of the second set, Sharapova got through a 12-point game and even though she committed two more double faults, the Russian was able to hold serve for a 5-3 lead.

Osterloh then served to stay in the match, but the match was as good as over as Sharapova tuned-up her return game and broke at love. On match point, she slammed a forehand winner down the line to the delight of the crowd.

Following her victory, Sharapova was asked about playing in front of the large crowd. “It was exciting. As long as I can bring the WTA Tour to a higher level and for people to enjoy the tennis and especially for the kids…it’s good to go out there and show your tennis.”

• Sharapova advances to a third-round match against the winner of the second-round match between Mary Pierce and Gisela Dulko.
• Sharapova is ranked eighth in the world.
• Sharapova is making her Acura Classic debut.
• Sharapova improves her 2004 match record to 31-8.
  · Time of match: One hour and seven minutes.
• Osterloh won two qualifying matches to reach the main draw. She entered the qualifying draw as an alternate due to a player withdrawal.
• Osterloh is ranked 186 in the world.
• Osterloh was appearing in her fifth Acura Classic.
• Osterloh’s 2004 match record falls to 15-14.
  

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