Back in Action
The Tier III $200,000 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event in Istanbul, Turkey, boasts a strong field next week. This happens sometimes, especially the week or two before a Grand Slam. Top players who need some extra matches because they’ve been injured or lost early in previous events, sign up very late for a small event. Maria Sharapova is a last-minute entry having not played for six weeks since losing to Serena Williams at the Sony
Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne in early April. Venus Williams is also entered, as are Elena Dementieva and Sania Mirza who are returning from injury layoffs. It’s tough to play a tournament the week right before a Grand Slam, especially if you play well and reach the finals because you then face potentially three consecutive weeks of matches. For Sharapova, the tournament will provide some insight into her form, especially her serve, after the long layoff.
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