Even though it’s still early in the tournament , the Toray Pan Pacific has been very surprising already so far. Before this tournament started I had high hopes for a good series in Tokyo but Sharapova never really launched at this year’s Toray Pan Pacific. She lost in the first round to WTA Tour veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm.But Sharapova ended up losing in the first round in three sets 7-5 3-6 6-3.
As you may know, Maria Sharapova has been struggling ever since her shoulder surgery back in ’08. She has won three Grand Slam tourneys but after that operation nothing ever really was the same for Sizzlin’ Sharapova.
Said Date-Krumm: “Playing against a player who used to be number one and the defending champion I knew I had to play my best. I just got back from Korea yesterday and felt really tired but my body felt a little better today.”
And what did Sharapova about her 40 year old opponent:
“It’s incredible,” said Sharapova. “It just shows you how she has stayed in such great shape while away from the game. She is incredibly fit.”
But at least Sharapova had some fun at Kids Day:
And here are some photos of the first round match between Maria Sharapova and Kimiko Date-Krumm
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