Maria Sharapova has missed out in five Miami finals, but the world No. 2 remains optimistic about her 2013 season despite going down to Serena Williams 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in another South Florida trophy match. The Russian had been hoping to become the third woman to have won the coast-to-coast pair in the same season.
But despite losing to Williams after leading a set and a break in the second, Sharapova maintained confidence in her game. “I’m disappointed, but I’ve had a really nice month of tennis. Serena played a great match. I had my chances. There’s no reason why I couldn’t win today.
“I’m very happy, very fortunate that I’ve been able to play probably the most that any player has played in the last, you know, month out of the singles matches. I’ve had a really great month and a great tournament here. I can only take positives out of it, really.”
This month’s Indian Wells winner claimed the first set in 55 minutes and broke for 3-2 in the second before Williams came back. “There was no reason why I couldn’t win the match,” said Sharapova. “This match was a step in the right direction. There’s no doubt I’ll be able to beat her.”
Sharapova stands 28-20 in WTA finals. “Sometimes you’re playing so many matches, facing so many different opponents, that not every single day is going to be your best day. Within a tournament, there’s a lot of ups and downs, and I’m really happy with what I have been able to achieve in the last month.”
©Daily Tennis News Wire
Topics: American tennis news, Maria Sharapova, Miami Sony Open, Serena Williams, Wta