Share

Sharapova looks to back up big win

New York - Fresh off a thrilling victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, former world No 1 Maria Sharapova will look to prove that she has the stamina to back it up when she battles Timea Babos at the US Open on Wednesday. 

The 30-year-old Russian looked like her old dominant self in her first grand slam match since serving a 15-month doping ban, defeating world No 2 Simona Halep in three entertaining sets. 

The five-time grand slam champion fell to her knees after dispatching the Romanian in a match she said she had "no right to win", given her extended absence from the game and her nagging injuries.

Wednesday's match will mark the first meeting between Sharapova and 59th-ranked Babos, who was dispatched by Halep in the third round of last year's US Open for her best-ever finish at a grand slam.

Babos defeated Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland in a marathon 7-5 5-7 7-5 first round match of her own behind her commanding serve and potent groundstrokes. 

Assuming her 6-foot 2-inch frame can recover from Monday's classic, the more powerful Sharapova should have the upper hand against the shorter 24-year-old from Hungary.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE