China Open: Maria Sharapova Made to Sweat

Former world number 1, Maria Sharapova is trying to make her comeback after her 15-month ban from tennis. She is currently participating in the China Open at Beijing. On Tuesday, the Russian clashed with compatriot Ekaterina Makarova in the 2nd round and won. She battled through the first set 6-4, before the 33rd-ranked Makarova streaked into a 4-1 lead in the second set and levelled the match 6-4. Maria Sharapova racked up eight double faults through the first two sets before sealing the match in the decider, 6-1. On day 1, a number of big names were knocked out early, like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Sloane Stephens, Shelby Rogers, Johanna Konta, Dominika Cibulkova, Kristina Mladenovic, Karolina Pliskova and many others. Even in the men’s draw, many big names were knocked out.

104 ranked Sharapova was granted wildcard status at the China Open. She has yet to win a tournament since returning to tennis in April following a ban for taking the banned substance meldonium. In her openning match on Saturday the 30-year-old saved the match point before beating the 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova in three thrilling sets.

China Open: Round 3

Sharapova now faces the Romanian, Simona Halep in the 3rd round. Halep’s first match was stretched to a 3-setter against American Alison Riske. Halep’s second round match against Magdalena Rybarikova was a far easier affair with a 6-2, 1-1 win because Rybarikova retired injured.

Men’s Draw

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal opened his account with a 3 set win over Lucas Pouille. Fernando Verdasco and Jack Sock were among the established players to be sent packing. Nadal will now face either Karen Khachanov or Di Wu in the second round.