Maria Sharapova outplayed an error-prone Venus Williams on the key
points to take a 6-3, 6-4 win in an exhibition match Saturday.
In a warm-up ahead of this month's Australian Open, Sharapova
converted 75 percent of her break points, against just 13 per cent
by Williams.
Both players appeared in trouble in the baking heat and low
sun at his beachside resort, with Williams particularly struggling
to keep the ball on the court.
Sharapova, the world No. 14, displayed a solid and fierce
baseline game to put Williams away in just one hour and 34 minutes,
and record her first win over the American since 2007.
Sharapova broke Williams three times to take the first set
which was over in 49 minutes. The second set was on serve until the
final game when Williams missed two forehands to lose the match.
"It's good to be back. I'm glad to play against Venus in my
first match of the year," said the 22-year-old Russian.
"I still remember when I first came here (in 2005). I was
still young and had a great match with Venus."
Williams, who will still be chasing her first Australian Open
title when she goes to Melbourne, acknowledged she was a little off
the pace after the offseason.
"Maria played so well," Williams said. "I was slow in my
first match of the season. It's good to be here hitting the ball."
Sharapova won the Australian Open in 2008, but was not able
to defend her title last year due to a shoulder injury.
