The 3rd-ranked player in the world and the reigning Australian Open champion was ousted in an upset on Thursday in Melbourne.
Maria Sharapova, ranked 30th in the world, secured a major victory over Caroline Wozniacki in the Round of 32 at the Australian Open, opening a path for her to win the tournament and regain some of her former glory.
One of the best female tennis players of this generation showed the world her capabilities, securing one of the best wins in the past several years of her career. After winning five Grand Slam titles between 2004 and 2014 and holding the women’s #1 ranking for a time during the 2000s, Sharapova had fallen into a funk recently. The 31-year-old’s win over Wozniacki, a bitter rival, shows that she is back in the conversation.
Sharapova beat Wozniacki 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and was clearly the better player in the match. The Russian used her powerful right hand to dominate the match and move on to the Round of 16 in a tournament that she won back in 2008.
Waiting for her in the next round will be Australia native and #15 in the world Ashleigh Barty. Sharapova will look to continue her unexpected run and challenge for the Australian Open title.
