WIMBLEDON (England), Jul 5 (AP): Maria Sharapova was gracious and upbeat in defeat, perhaps because she has had a fair amount of experience this year with such drubbings. Still seeking her first title in 2007, Sharapova lost Wednesday in the fourth round at Wimbledon to Venus Williams, 6-1, 6-3. It was the Russian's earliest exit at the All England Club since she won the tournament at age 17 in 2004.
First she must regain her championship form, and eliminate a yearlong tendency to play poorly in big matches. She won only three games against Serena Williams in the Australian Open final, won two games against Serena in a rematch at Key Biscayne, Fla., and won three games against Ana Ivanovic in the French Open semifinals.
In short, the year has been a disappointing sequel for the 2006 US Open champion.
Sharapova has struggled with her serve, in part because of a nagging shoulder injury. She plans to undergo scans on the shoulder as a precaution and said she didn't know when she'll be fully healed.
Venus defeats Sharapova at Wimbledon
FE Team | Published: July 06, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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