Sharapova Shocker in Aussie open 1st rd: Is She the Next Kournikova?

Maria Sharapova wouldn't have dreamed of such a start to the year even in her worst nightmares. She was sent packing in the very first round of the year's first grand slam! Sharapova, seeded 14th lost 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 6-4 to fellow Russian and childhood friend, world no. 58 Maria Kirilenko. Her game was marred by a whopping 76 unforced errors which nullified her good work and worked in favor of the triumphant Maria.

The Russian blonde seemed to be struggling with her serve and mobility around the court following the difficulties with her shoulder which have haunted her in recent months. A disappointed Sharapova said: "I certainly had my chances and just didn't execute. When she was up and then I'd get back there, back in the game, I just didn't take advantage of that and I let her control the situation again." It was Sharapova's earliest exit at a Grand Slam since 2003, and she has managed just one major quarter-final since winning the 2008 Australian Open.

Sharapova's string of disappointing performances over the last 2 years have raised many eyebrows. Her graph is being compared to that of tennis player turned glamor girl Anna Kournikova. There have been many female tennis players in the past as well who concentrated more on 'curves' rather than 'serves'. The heightened media publicity over their attractive looks and more lucrative offers from the advertising and modeling industry have adversely affected their tennis careers, and even caused retirement. Players of the stature of Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Gabriella Sabatini and Martina Hingis have seen career lows due to similar distractions from the game. But, most of them have been fortunate to make inspiring comebacks. Only time will tell if Sharapova meets a fate similar to Kournikova or prove to be game enough to pull things back, what many of her fans are hoping for.

Meanwhile, except for the rain, it has been an expected start to the Australian open at the Rod Laver arena in Melbourne. Both men and women top seeds advanced to the next round with relatively easy wins.