Player of the week: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova played her best tennis to take the third Grand Slam title of her career at the Australian Open 2008. The Russian confirmed the good sensations she had in the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships at the end of 2007 and started 2008 season in the best possible way. She didn't drop a set in the whole tournament, and 8 games was the most her rivals took from her. She had an impressive run defeating Jelena Kostanic (6/4 6/3), former #1 Lindsay Davenport (6/1 6/3), Elena Vesnina (6/3 6/0), WTA #11 Elena Dementieva (6/2 6/0), WTA #1 Justine Henin (6/4 6/0), WTA #4 Jelena Jankovic and finally WTA #3 Ana Ivanovic (7/5 6/3) on her way to the title.
After a dissapointing 2007 season with a lot of problems with her shoulder which prevented her to play at her best, 2008 looks brigther. If she stays healthy and focused as last week, she will be though contender for the Grand Slams, the Olympic Games and the #1 on the ranking.
Have a look at her photo gallery here