Credit: Getty Images
Maria Sharapova’s first tournament since her controversial return to tennis is over after losing to Kristina Mladenovic of France in the Porsche Grand Prix semifinals.
Mladenovic beat former top-ranked Maria Sharapova 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 Saturday.
In her fourth match following a 15-month doping ban, the Russia was left to rue missing 13 of her 16 break-point opportunities as Mladenovic rallied to win in 2 hours, 38 minutes.
Sharapova after the match. #porschetennis pic.twitter.com/S7cbn0DrSR
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) April 29, 2017
You’re special, Stuttgart!! Thank you ❤️@PorscheTennis pic.twitter.com/EwBX8HJNdh
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) April 29, 2017
Later Today, the 19th-ranked Mladenovic, who ousted two-time defending champion Angelique Kerber on Thursday, next plays Laura Siegemund who beat fourth seed Simona Halep in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.
Back in the @PorscheTennis Final!@LauraSiegemund knocks out Halep 6-4, 7-5!
Plays @KiKiMladenovic next! #PTGP2017 pic.twitter.com/HknZ6L0hrr
— WTA (@WTA) April 29, 2017
Culled from nbcsports