Maria withdraws from Acapulco

Unfortunately Maria had to retire from the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis in Acapulco, Mexico due to a stomach virus.

Maria said: “I’m really sorry to have to withdraw from the tournament. I had a great start to the event and was hoping I could recover in time for tonight’s match but unfortunately it was not enough time. I want to thank the tournament for organizing such a great event and most importantly the fans who were so passionate during all my matches.”

The next tournament in Maria`s schedule is Indian Wells. The tournament starts on March 11.


GO MARIA !!!

First tough battle

Maria had her toughest match in Acapulco against Magdaena Rybarikova of Slovakia, but in the end she won the quarterfinal in 3 sets: 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 after 2 hours and 13 minutes of play.

After this tough test, Maria said: "Unfortunately I've had a stomach virus for the past couple of days and during tonight's match it got a lot worse. I could not make it to press tonight as I am trying to do everything to recover for tomorrow and hoping that I will be out on the court."

If she`s OK, Maria will play in the Acapulco semifinal against Caroline Garcia of France. On head to head, Maria leads Garcia: 3-0. Their last match was last year in Brisbane, where Maria won in straight sets: 6-3, 6-0.



GO MARIA !!

Convincing victory

Another easy victory for Maria in Acapulco after she defaeted Mariana Duque-Marino of Colombia in straight sets: 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour and 8 minutes of play.

After the 2nd Round match, Maria said: "The goal is to get better and improve as I go further in the tournament."

"The day before yesterday in my first match I had to make some little adjustments while I was playing, but today I really felt better. In the end it got a little bit tough - I got broken back a couple of times - but overall I'm very happy with the way that I played tonight. I felt pretty solid out there."

Maria was asked about the atmosphere on the court and the strong fan support she had.

"I really enjoyed the atmosphere. When the crowd gets into the match and they're being supportive of both players it's extremely important to feed off their energy, because as athletes I think we always perform better when we feel the atmosphere from the music and people cheering."

"I think having that kind of atmosphere out there really helps us lift our games."

A In quarterfinals, Maria will play against Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia. Maria never played Rybarikova before.

GO MARIA !!!

1st victory in Mexico

Good star for Maria in Mexico. She defeated Shelby Rogers of United States in straight sets: 6-4, 6-1.

After the 1st Round match, Maria said: "I've been in many different situations in my career, and when you're down, you have to change a few things and stay positive. You just have to concentrate on one point at a time instead of the bigger result, and as the match went on I definitely felt more and more comfortable out there.

"I felt really good and really happy to perform here in front of all the fans for the first time."

Maria was asked whether the slow start could have been from the new conditions, too.

"Your first match at a new tournament is never easy. You're getting used to all of the conditions, a new place and a new atmosphere. You're also adjusting your game a little bit. The court here is quite different to the surfaces I've competed on so far this year, and the ball goes through the air because it's much warmer. You can train in new conditions as many days as you want, but it's when you go out and play an actual match when the real adjustment comes into play.

"I'm looking forward to improving as the week goes on. My opponents will get tougher and tougher."

In 2nd Round, Maria will play against Mariana Duque-Marino of Colombia.



GO MARIA !!!

Allure Magazine Interview

What’s the best beauty tip you’ve learned? “Adir [Abergel] has taught me so much about how to care for and maintain a hairstyle. Moisturization is key [Sharapova uses Drybar Mudslide Nourishing Hair Mask], and it’s really important to apply a protective shield, like Fekkai Blowout Primer, before heat.”

What beauty products can you not live without? “Homeoplasmine from French pharmacies for scrapes or burns; Avon Luck fragrance, which I pour into a small travel bottle; Fresh Rose Face Mask for a treatment after a long flight;Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30, because it has such a silky, weightless texture; and Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream SPF 40—so many people neglect their hands! I keep it in my bag at all times.”

How did you become involved with Supergoop? “Sunscreen is such a huge part of my daily routine. I stumbled upon Supergoop at Sephora and fell in love with the formulas. Then I was fortunate enough to meet Holly [Thaggard], the founder, and we hit it off right away. Working with the company felt like a natural next step.”

Who is your style icon? “Audrey Hepburn. I really like classic beauties who handle sophistication with ease.”

What are your favorite go-to fashion items? “Right now, I’m coveting wide-leg cropped trousers by Stella McCartney, cashmere sweaters from The Row, and vintage earrings from Broken English.”

How do you stay in shape off the court? “I love working my core. I do a combination of mat exercises and work on the Bosu ball. I’ve also tried classes with Tracy Anderson, which is a great workout!”

What’s your match-day beauty routine? “I always throw my hair back in a sleek, secure ponytail. I don’t wear any makeup while playing, because I can’t worry about it getting into my eyes or being a distraction. I learned early on that beauty should never interrupt focus on the court.”




GO MARIA !!!

Not enough...

If Maria played like she did in 2nd set probably that she would had some chances. Unfortunately she didn`t and she lost the Australian Open final in straigh sets: 3-6, 6-7 after one hour and 51 minutes of play.

After the match, Maria said:

"It's always tough getting to a final stage of an event where it's down to two players and you end up becoming the one who's going home with the smaller trophy, there's no doubt about it. No matter how you played, well or not, whatever the scoreline, it's always tough. But it will be all right."

On the huge forehands she hit to save the first two match points...
"Well, I wasn't just going to let her hit a winner to win the match. I really wanted to go for it and I wanted to do everything I could to stay in those games and stay in that match.

"On the last one, couldn't do much to get that ball."

On her difficulties with playing Serena...

"I believe we attract what we're ready for. Yes, I haven't won against her many times, but if I'm getting to the stage of competing against someone like Serena, I'm doing something well. I'm setting up a chance to try to beat her, and it hasn't happened, but I'm not just going to go home without giving it another chance. That's just not who I am and not who I was raised to be. I'm a competitor.

"If I'm getting to the finals of Grand Slams and setting myself up to play Serena, I'm happy in that position. I love the competition. I love playing against the best, and at the moment, she is."

On whether she feels like she's getting closer...

"If I keep setting up chances for myself, absolutely."

In Maria`s schedule the next tournament is FED Cup. She will play for Russia against Poland and she will represent her country against Urszula Radwanska. The tournament starts on February 7.

GO MARIA !!!