Russian player Maria Sharapova recovered from her early exit at the Australian Open after she beat the Swedish world No. 106, Sofia Arvidsson, 6-2, 6-1 in the tournament finals at Memphis. The match lasted 66 minutes and marked Sharapova’s second tournament of the season and her first title of the year.

The (former) world No. 16 had only played a single game this season, a defeat in the first round of the Australian Open, prior to her participation in Memphis. However, the loss appears not to have affected the three-time Grand Slam champion, who swept every one of her opponents in this lower-level tournament and took home her 21st title without losing a set.

During the first set of the final, the Russian trounced Arvidsson with great strokes, winning a stretch of nine consecutive games and taking 15 of the last 18 points to win the first set 6-2. The Swede, who could not develop her best game, was clearly frustrated.

Sharapova was even sharper in the second set, when she broke Arvidsson three times with consistency and control. The Swede tried to come back, but Sharapova’s game was too effective. In the end, Sharapova served out the match with a love game and won the set 6-1.

Overall in the match, the Russian broke her opponent four times and won 81% of her service points, which is just plain impressive.

The victory also moved Sharapova up in the rankings, from world No. 16 to No. 13.

Arvidsson was the champion of the 2006 Memphis tournament and was seeking a second title in her tennis career, but Sharapova proved unstoppable.

Before Sharapova’s win, media and fans were concerned that her early exit against Maria Kirilenko in the Australian Open was due to a shoulder injury. The title, however, erases many such doubts.

At the end of the match the Sharapova stated that she felt great in the tournament and that her objective in this contest was simply to practice in more matches, improve her game, and regain some of her confidence.

"I feel great. I came here for matches - I got five and I got the win, so it was a good week. I served and returned well - two things that are very important indoors. I also did the right things against Sofia. I worked hard after the Australian Open and little by little things are coming along," expressed the former world No.1.

On the other hand, Sofia Arvidsson alleged that she was somewhat tired after playing her seventh match of the tournament and even more so after playing one of the greatest players in the circuit. Nevertheless, the Swede praised Maria Sharapova’s performance and stated it was tough to play her in the match.

''I guess I was a little bit tired. She's a good player. You need to be on fire when you play her. I think it's tough when you play those players. She hits much harder than the players I usually play. When you just play them once in awhile it's tough. She was good.''

The Russian will next participate at Indian Wells, which will be held from March 8th to March 21st.

About the Author

Ally White has been a prominent writer on daily Tennis Games reviews, sports news and sports betting industry updates for many exceptional sports web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.