Maria Sharapova beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in an all-Russian match on Monday to advance to the third round at the Madrid Open.
The eighth-seeded Sharapova broke Makarova three times and dropped serve only once in the match.
“I lost some focus but it was important to let that go and concentrate on taking my opportunities in the third set,” said Sharapova, whose most recent title was at Strasbourg in May last year.
Fourth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus also advanced by easing past Sweden’s Sofia Arvidsson 6-1, 6-1, while No. 2 Vera Zvonareva overcame a miserable start to beat fellow Russian Elena Vesnina 0-6, 6-3, 6-3.
In first-round play, sixth-seeded Li Na of China ousted Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez of Spain 6-4, 7-6 (6) and Alisa Kleybanova of Russia provided the first upset by defeating ninth-seeded Shahar Peer of Israel 6-3, 6-2.
On the men’s side, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick was dumped out in the first round of the Madrid Masters, upset 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 by qualifier Flavio Cipolla.
The American 12th seed, who lost to Roger Federer in the quarter-finals two years ago on his most recent appearance at the clay event, had his serve broken four times by the Italian ranked 148 places below him at number 160.
Roddick’s friend and compatriot Mardy Fish, the 12th seed, was also eliminated in the first round, losing 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 to fellow American John Isner.
Qualifier Thiemo de Bakker of the Netherlands fought back to beat former world No. 1 one and wild card Juan Carlos Ferrero 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, while ninth-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils defeated big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 7-6.
Current world No. 1 and top seed Rafael Nadal, who has a bye into the second round, will play Marcos Baghdatis after the former Australian Open finalist edged past Colombian qualifier Alejandro Falla 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, the second and third seeds, also play their opening matches today.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely