Maria Sharapova into Shenzhen quarters after ‘dominant’ teenager quits

Maria Sharapova moved into the quarterfinals of the Shenzhen Open but only after her “dominant” teenage opponent retired injured.
The Russian fifth seed was well short of her best against 17-year-old Chinese prodigy Wang Xinyu, who won two Grand Slam doubles titles last year.
Wang won the first set on a tiebreak before cramping up in the second and conceding the match.
Sharapova, though, was full of praise for her opponent.
“Obviously, it’s a tough situation,” Sharapova told reporters.
“You played unbelievable”@MariaSharapova has a great moment with Wang Xinyu after the wildcard is forced to retire at 6-7(4), 5-2. #ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/3RyfnG7TgK
— WTA (@WTA) January 2, 2019
“It’s not the way either of us wants to finish the match, win or lose.
I thought [Wang] was absolutely the dominant player in this match, and had all the opportunities to win it, even though I felt like I was finding my stride and getting a little bit closer to the line and being more aggressive.”
“She has all the tools to play well, and I think she showcased that, and it’s obviously a very unfortunate way to end the match.
“I said [to her] that being healthy is the most important thing, but if she continues to play the way that she did today, I think she has all the right tools to be a champion.”
Sharapova will now face either Aryna Sabalenka or fellow Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the last eight.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Rafael Nadal will be a more aggressive player in 2019, coach warns rivals
-
Warning signs are flashing for Andy Murray as he prepares his final comeback attempt
-
Gallery of stars Down Under: Roger Federer with a western rock lobster, Naomi Osaka with a python
-
Novak Djokovic: ‘Beating Roger Federer record my major career goal’
-
EXCLUSIVE: Judy Murray identifies one reason why her sons have reached the top
-
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian Open
Toni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.
-
Tennis News
Serena Williams still believes she can win another Grand Slam and has no plans to retire just yet, says her coach
Serena Williams not ready to quit.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s father hits out at Western media over their negative portrayal of his son
Srdjan Djokovic slams Western media.
-
News
Andy Murray’s Montpellier run shortlived as he suffers first-round exit
Andy Murray went down in straight sets.