Maria Sharapova and French Open Ranking: From 126 to 1 (VIDEO)
Tennis player Maria Sharapova has done nothing short of a miracle after injuring her shoulder in 2008, losing her former glory, then shooting straight back up to the top of the rankings.
During a Thursday competition at the French open in Paris, Sharapova continued to climb back to the top of the rankings, defeating Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals at Roland Garros. With only one more opponent to beat, Sara Errani, Sharapova stands to be the tenth women ever to win all four major tournaments.
"I always dreamed of being on the final stage here and I finally have that opportunity," Sharapova said according to the Daily News. "And I'm more than excited."
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Sharapovas performance was described by Sports Illustrated as "business like" function and which she gracefully excelled.
"Betraying full self-belief against a player she beat on clay last month, Sharapova romped today," the sports publication reported. "She broke Kvitova early in both sets. She struck her groundstrokes cleanly and boldly. She never got the yips on her serve. In a businesslike and thoroughly unflustered performance, she advanced to the final."
Times were not always so blissful for Sharapova, who once held the 1st spot in women's tennis before she injured her shoulder and sunk down to a 126th place ranking.
"It's pretty special," Sharapova said. "A few years ago after my shoulder surgery, I don't know if I had a ranking, but it was over 100. And I thought 'Well, I did it one time. So maybe again, I can try to do it."'
Kvitova is also no easy opponent, according to Sharhapova, who stated that she nearly changes the game with her speedy plays.
"It's tough to return her," Kvitova said. "She plays very fast. It's a different game compared to matches before."
The next game takes places Sunday, where Sharapova stands to accomplish a royal flush
