Maria Sharapova Geared Up To Defend US Open Title
The 2007 US Open is the last grand slam event of the year, and it’s the last chance to win something significant in tennis. Otherwise, it’s see you next year in the 2008 Australian Open.
Well, the first round of the 2007 US Open at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York just wrapped up. From 64 players at the beginning of the tournament, we now move on to round 2 and the field whittling down to just 32. In the Women’s Singles division, defending US Open Women’s Singles champion Maria Sharapova made quick work of Italian Roberta Vinci (6-1, 6-0), and looks to be in top form to hope for a repeat championship. In fact, she is brimming with confidence on and off the court.
“Every corner I turn here I get goosebumps. When you come back to the place you won your second major, it’s incredible… And to come in to defend my title when I am healthy, that’s the best part,” Sharapova said.
However, Maria Sharapova, seeded number 2 in this grand slam tournament, has yet to get past her second round opponent Australian Casey Dellaqua. It shouldn’t be a problem for the 20-year old Russian tennis star. Besides, Sharapova is all geared up and ready, even sporting new tennis dresses that are decorated with graphic interpretations of the New York skyline to make it appropriate since the US Open is being held in The Big Apple. The designs were created in collarboration with Nike senior designer Colleen Sandieson, and Sharapova will have one outfit dedicated for day play and another for night matches. There are even 600 Swarovski crystals incorporated into the design. Pretty chic if you ask me.
“It’s always important to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing when you’re playing,” Sharapova said.
Yup, and a bit of glamour doesn’t hurt a bit.
It’s no surprise that Sharapova would want to look fashionable and stylish. After all, Sharapova has become much-involved with the fashion industry as a model, and eventually fashion might be something she’d really like to further explore once her tennis career is over.
But as for now, Sharapova better get her mind on tennis because number one seed Justine Henin looks the favorite to dethrone Sharapova and claim thee 2007 US Open Women’s Single title. Henin’s not ranked number one for nothing.
Well, if Sharapova gets dethroned, at least she can look good doing it.
For more odds on the 2007 US Open, click here.
