Maria ramping up fear factor

Sharapova brimming with confidence after steamrolling her way to last 32

NEW YORK - After making the US Open last 32 on Wednesday, Maria Sharapova proclaimed she has instilled renewed fear into her rivals and rekindled the love from her fans.

The former world No 1 and five-time major winner pulled off a 6-7(4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Timea Babos of Hungary.

It was her second three-set match, having seen off world No 2 Simona Halep on Monday in what was her first Grand Slam match since being hit with a 15-month doping ban.

"I think with the way that I played on Monday night, I don't think there are any more questions," the 30-year-old replied when pushed on whether her spot in the tournament was justified.

The 2006 champion, a guaranteed arena-filler, needed a wild card to play in New York after her prolonged absence from the sport dropped her world ranking to 146.

It was a decision widely criticized, with many insisting she should work her way back into the main draw and not be given a helping hand.

"I definitely feel the respect from the athletes," Sharapova said.

"Certainly when I play against them, in terms of the level they play. That's important to me. I think from a respect level, when you're able to respect your rivals and compatriots, that's really important, and I feel that.

"I've also had an amazing reaction from fans since I've been back, and that's been very special. I felt it while I was away. I felt it in a real presence since I've been back. It's a very special feeling."

But the questions over the ban, imposed when she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open in 2016, still keep coming.

After her win over Babos, she was asked how many drug tests she's had this year.

"At the end of the year, the ITF usually produces those numbers," she fired back.

Sharapova's return was still splitting fellow players on Wednesday, even as her marketing appeal was evident in playing back-to-back matches on the showpiece Arthur Ashe stadium.

Fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, the 2004 champion, again lobbied for her compatriot.

"I've always been supportive of Maria. For her it has been tough. She paid for her mistake," said Kuznetsova.

"It's great to have her back because tennis missed her. Tournament directors, people around, they love to watch her play. You can see after her first match how the crowd welcomed her back."

However, Coco Vandeweghe said the wild card should have gone to an American player.

"Wild cards are appointed by the USTA. I can't say I agree. I wish it was an American instead, selfishly, because it is a US tournament," she said.

Sharapova will look to reach the last 16 on Friday when she faces Russian-born American Sofia Kenin, the world 139.

Win or lose, 18-year-old Kenin will be none the richer as her amateur status means she cannot claim the $144,000 prize money at the risk of losing a place on her college squad.

But Kenin said she is still looking forward to the challenge of facing Sharapova, her childhood idol.

"I have looked up to her all my life, she's a great player," said the teenager. "I am really happy she's back. I have a lot of respect for her."

Agence France-presse

(China Daily 09/01/2017 page24)