Maria Sharapova storms back to take Rome Masters title in thriller
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Maria Sharapova overcame a frustrating rain delay to defeat Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the final of the Rome Masters yesterday.
Li did not take long to underline her reputation as an up-and-down player. Striking the ball beautifully from the baseline, she took the first set 6-4 in 46 minutes.
When Li took a 4-0 lead in the second set a crushing victory seemed likely, but with the finishing post in sight the Chinese player tightened up like a marathon runner with cramp.
As Li sprayed the ball to all corners, Sharapova (above) hit the ball more cleanly. Remarkably, the world No 2 took the second set 6-4 and had won 10 out of 11 games by the time she led 4-1 in the decider. The Russian seemed on the brink of completing a remarkable comeback, but the conditions had become increasingly tricky.
From 4-1 down Li won four games in a row before Sharapova held serve for 5-5. Li went 6-5 up and had a match point after a dreadful error by Sharapova, whose forehand-volley hit the net.
The Russian stayed alive by hitting a winner with a tougher forehand on the next point to take the decider into a nerve-racking tie-break, which she won to earn a 26th career title.
The rain washed out the men's final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic which will start today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments