Maria Sharapova Wins Second Career Slam at U.S. Open
Sharapova Uses O3 White to Defeat Rival Henin-Hardenne in Straight Sets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Zach Perles
One Advantage Court
Bordentown,
609-291-5932
zperles@princesports.com
09/10/06 - Bordentown, NJ – Maria Sharapova, the most recognizable face in tennis, won her second career Grand Slam Saturday defeating Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4, 6-4.
The victory gave Sharapova, who signed a multi-million dollar lifetime endorsement deal with Prince in August and plays the O3 White, her first U.S. Open title. Two years ago she shocked the tennis world by winning Wimbledon at age 17.
“We are so proud of Maria,” said Linda Glassel, vice president of marketing at Prince. “She played at the highest level and represented herself with the utmost class. Maria is the face of Prince Tennis, and we have no doubt that she will continue to make her mark on the game for years to come.”
Only beating Henin-Hardenne once prior to the U.S. Open, Sharapova broke her at 5-4 in the second set to serve for the match. Sharapova had a 72 percent first serve percentage, five aces, and hit 20 winners. After the last point, Sharapova fell to her knees in celebration.
“When you go down on the ground, you just think of everything you've put into this moment, and even though the moment is a very short time, when you get to be on court with that trophy, it's just so incredible,” said Sharapova after the match. “I'm thrilled that I got to experience another Grand Slam win. There's nothing like winning your first major, but to win your second is the cherry on the cake.”
Last night’s win marks Sharapova’s 13th title of her career and the third this season. Since switching to the O3 White in January 2006, she won titles at Indian Wells and San Diego, and was a finalist at Dubai and Miami.
The win also marks the 121st tournament title and the first singles Grand Slam for Prince’s O3 Technology. Sharapova joins more than 75 touring pros who are O3 players.
About Maria Sharapova
Born on April 19, 1987, in Siberia, Russia, Maria Sharapova moved to the United States to train at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. She turned professional in 2001, and has won 13 WTA singles titles, including Wimbledon in 2004 and the U.S. Open in 2006. Sharapova also has four finals and 16 semifinal appearances, including the Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon in 2005. At the age of 18, Sharapova was ranked No. 1 in the world, and this season, she has been consistently ranked in the top 5. For more information, please visit www.mariasharapova.com.
About Prince Sports
Prince Sports, Inc., based in New Jersey, is a recognized leader in game-improvement technologies and engineering-based high-performance sports equipment. Since 1970, Prince and Ektelon have revolutionized tennis, squash and racquetball with innovations including “Oversize,” “Longbody” and “Extender” racquet technologies, Natural Foot Shape footwear technology, Synthetic Gut String and Electronic Ball Machines. In 2005, Prince introduced O3, another breakthrough that features an expanded sweet spot (up to 54 percent) and increased racquet speed, a combination only possible with O3 Technology. In 2006, Prince introduces M Series footwear with Precision Tube Technology, the latest innovation that gives players maximum cushioning, stability and ventilation. Prince Sports has operations on three continents and distribution in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.princetennis.com.
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