Stephens shocks Sharapova in Cincy

Sloane Stephens notched up the second top ten win of her career in Cincinnati, beating Maria Sharapova 2-6 7-6 6-3 in the second round.

The Russian world number three, who has been out of action since losing at Wimbledon the last week of June, still managed to lead by a convincing set and a break against the 20 year old American. But the Russian could not maintain her form and her slipped as Stephen’s play began to rise. The American broke back and worked her way into the set, staying with Sharapova to force a tiebreak. The tow women exchanged mini-breaks before Stephens got another one. On her second set point Stephens embroiled Maria in a long rally and the tentative Russian hit stepped up the pace despite her rhythm being off and yet another baseline error saw her gift Stephens the set.

Stephens deserved the gift though, her smarts, defense and depth synthesizing with the rusty Sharapova game and taking full advantage. Stephens broke early in the third as the Russian’s serve failed her and she was only able to produce tepid offerings on which the American hit back with depth to force errors and lead 2-0. The American proved herself to be a good front runner, leading 4-1 and having more chances to break but Sharapova dug deep and hung in the match playing aggressively despite the rust and reaping some reward for her courage. Stephens was not to be undone by Maria or nerves though. The big match temperament that helped her beat Serena Williams in Melbourne proved to be anything but a one off as Stephens served for the match at 5-3. Down 15-30, the American hit a big serve down the tee to leavel at 30-30. A backhand error into the net and Stephens had match point. The nerves got to her and she double-faulted. A backhand error and Sharapova had break point but Stephens challenged the point and Hawkeye called it in. Back at Deuce, Maria forced an error for another break point but another error and it was Deuce once more. Stephens found her serve and moved Sharapova around, forcing another error from a Maria on the run. On her second match point, Stephens hit another double-fault. A service winner and a third chance to take the match. A second serve but this time it went in. Sharapova struck the ball with all her might, the American defended and another Sharapova error, her 62nd of the match, meant the match was Stephens’.

The win was similar to Stephens’ victory over Williams at the start of the season in that the American did not play her best all the way through the match but found some good form when her opponent faltered and managed to just hold it together enough when the win was in sight to scramble to victory. She would make life a lot easier for herself if she could calm her nerves and play more aggressively when approaching the finish line.

As for Maria, it has been a long time since we have seen her play such an error-prone match. Perhaps the loss in the French Open final and the early loss at Wimbledon has hurt her confidence in her game. In addition, she may be adjusting to life with new coach Jimmy Connors. Going into the US Open with this defeat on her clock is far from ideal but the Russian will find some relish in the challenge no doubt and give us something to talk about in two weeks time in New York.