From Matthew Cronin on usopen.org:

7-MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS) vs. LAURA GRANVILLE (US)

Sharapova has gotten a huge reality check post her eye-popping run to the Wimbledon crown, as she has failed to win a title in three hard-court tournaments. Three opponents moved her adeptly and coaxed errors out of her -- Anastasia Myskina, Vera Zvonareva and Mashona Washington. Maria badly needs to sharpen her stokes and her resolve if she is to even make the second week here.

While the 17-year-old Sharapova's hiccup can be excused due to her young age and the fact that she still has tremendous improvements to make, Granville's slide this year has been downright disturbing. The two-time NCAA champ was on the verge of the top 30, developing an effective all-around game, and crash, she banged her head against the wall and has begun to fall precipitously.

Someone has to convince the unassuming Granville that she still has an up side and that stealing the limelight for a few nights are not the worst moments of one's life. Sharapova hits harder and has more talent than she does but can be had if Granville can manage to extend her to 10-ball minimum rallies. The Chicago native has to know that Sharapova's confidence is down and can be shaken. It's up to Granville to get herself into this match and see if she can tackle the teen when the Russian's nerves begin to fray. But Sharapova is a terrific fighter and will clay her way to a three-set win.



[ This Message was edited by: sportznut on 2004-08-30 20:15 ]