Sharapova wins Cincy

Maria Sharapova got her hands on the Cincy title after beating Jelena Jankovic in a gripping final, 4-6 7-6 6-3. The quality of tennis on show was not always of a high standard, but it was an entertaining and fiesty affair. Sharapova raced out into a 4-1 lead but surprisingly, Jankovic managed to get her on the ropes and win 7 straight games with some solid hitting from the back of the court. The pair traded blows in the second set with some long deuce games before Sharapova finally came out on top in the tiebreak. The third set (which unfortunately I couldn't stay up for!) sounded like a scrappy affair with a succession of breaks.


Sharapova won the Cincy title after wasting match points in the final last year to Kim Clijsters

In the end, Sharapova had too much for Jelena who could not put away her chances. At the start of the match, Jelena was not showing any belief that she could win this match. Now being coached by Sanchez, Jelena is heading in the right direction once again and needs to continue to build her confidence. I find she often puts in good performances before a major; she has done it several times before Roland Garros, which has got me excited and optimistic that she will go all the way. After getting excited (and then disappointed so many times!) I am much more cautious nowadays.

Jankovic should be content with her efforts this week in Cincy following two 1st round exits at Wimbledon and Toronto

I think she will be a threat at the US Open and could reach the Quarters; however she will not win because she does not have the mental game to go all the way. Sharapova did well to win the title but was patchy in her last two matches. She is definitely one of the favourites to win the US Open but up against a full flowing Serena, she ain't got a chance! Unfortunately I don't have time to do previews for the draws in New Haven and Dallas; however I will be reviewing the results as we move through the week. With the US Open just one week ago, I will be doing some predictions and analysis of the draws when they come in on Thursday night!!! :)