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Sharapova’s meltdown just latest setback

Star’s early exit from Open another '07 Slam where she failed to deliver

Image: SharapovaJustin Lane / EPA
Maria Sharapova's U.S. Open loss was just the latest setback of what's been a tough season, writes Tracy Austin.

The impact of loss
The season, by Sharapova’s lofty standards, likely has been a disappointment, but I have to say that I really liked Sharapova’s positive attitude following the loss.

"I have a whole future ahead of me and I’m not going to throw myself a pity party," she said.

If Sharapova did not show such maturity then it might have been easier for her (or any player) to feel down in the dumps after such an upset. But I respect Sharapova for demonstrating such a professional attitude.

That said, I feel it might be best for her not to think too much about the pitfalls of this season, and begin immediately to look ahead to 2008.

Who will come out of bottom half of draw
With Sharapova gone, the bottom half of the women’s draw becomes quite interesting as there is a trio of 18- year-olds who have made some noise. In addition to Radwanska, there is Hungarian Agnes Szavay, who upset seventh-seeded Russian Nadia Petrova.

And don’t forget Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who sent Martina Hingis, the 1997 U.S. Open champion packing.
Hingis referred to the new generation as "very dangerous."

I couldn’t agree more. Stay tuned.

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