Maria Sharapova: 2008 Australian Open Women’s Singles Champion!
Maria Sharapova (5) of Russia defeated Ana Ivanovic (4) of Serbia in the finals of the 2008 Australian Open Women’s Singles in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 clinching her third Grand Slam title. Maria Sharapova went through the entire 2008 Australian Open without dropping a set to an opponent, and was impressive all throughout, booking wins against World No. 1 Justine Henin of Belgium and No. 3 seed Jelena Kankovic.
Maria Sharapova’s 2008 Australian Open title redeems her loss in the 2007 Australian Open finals last year when Sharapova was dominated by Serena Williams 6-1, 6-2.
The only Grand Slam title that eludes Maria Sharapova is the French Open, which she hopes to win this year some time between mid-May and early June when the 2008 French Open kicks off.
Ana Ivanovic may have lost the finals of the 2008 Australian Open, but she improves her WTA world ranking to No. 2 for her success in the 2008 Australian Open tournament. So far Ana Ivanovic is 0-2 in Grand Slam finals matches, losing in the 2007 French Open to Justine Henin and then this recent loss in the 2008 Australian Open to Maria Sharapova.
Upcoming tennis tournaments for the 2008 WTA Tour include the Open Gaz de France in Paris and the Pattaya Women’s Open in Pattaya City, Thailand. Both tournaments kick off on February 4, 2008.
