BNP Paribas WTA Finals, Singapore

Round Robin, Day 4: [CR2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs. [CR3] Petra Kvitova (CZE)

Having lost their first match, both players were determined to win today’s encounter; yet, only one could succeed. Sharapova was both mentally and physically depleted after the marathon match against [CR8] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN). Her will was not enough to contest the relentless onslaught of Kvitova’s powerful strokes.

Kvitova was more alert after her dismal loss to [CR6] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) and was determined to minimize the errors in every aspect of her game. She was efficient and accurate, punishing every soft ball that Sharapova served or produced in the rallies.  Sharapova visibly wilted as the match progressed, never finding the energy, her game, or a solution to Kvitova’s attacking game. Defeat was inevitable for Sharapova as Kvitova had no intention of losing and she won easily 6-3, 6-2, squashing any hopes that Sharapova may have had of ending the year as the number one ranked player.