By Martina Hingis
October 21 2004

"Yesterday I took the time to see Maria Sharapova’s first appearance here at the Swisscom Challenge against Daniela Hantuchova and scrutinize the Russian from up close. Indeed she won Wimbledon after that things didn’t go well for her. Maybe she lost a little grip after this triumph. Now comes the time for her to establish herself. In the meantime things started to go better for her and the Swisscom Challenge is again a good chance for Maria Sharapova, although she is in the toughest half of the draw.

Against Daniela Hantuchova Maria showed her strongest points: she plays aggressive, she has a pressing backhand and she has the strongest service of all Russian players. This was also in Wimbledon her most dangerous weapon. Yesterday she hit a service winner on breakpoint with her second serve! I wish I could have saved myself like that once….

For her size Maria is surprisingly agile und very concentrated for her age. Many times she looks cold and dispassionate under her cap that is hiding her face. But then there are the Bolletieri-ish impressing gestures again that can make the opponent fairly nervous.

Possible this grunting and yelling belongs in the category attempt to intimidate. I noticed that she has phases in her game where she makes no sound. As ever; Maria plays carefree, when she is able to score she goes full speed. On a fast surface like here in Kloten’s Schluefweg there is little time for fancy rallies. That goes wham bam.

The forehand should be taken in account as one of Maria’s weaknesses. Yesterday she made too many unforced errors. Again and again she was in disadvantage, especially when she had to walk around the ball. From that position the forehand can reach well. But that is what I have noticed in general with the Russians. Maria’s running ability is not yet optimal, body length can also be a disadvantage.

Maria Sharapova should work herself up in the Russian hierarchy. No easy task. And she has to set priorities and she should not disregard her practice despite the temptations of show performances.

Bis Morgen."