Tennis News

Sharapova stops Clijsters streak with San Diego title (Roundup)

Aug 7, 2006, 1:00 GMT

Carlsbad, California - Maria Sharapova stopped the rot after four losses to hard-court queen Kim Clijsters as she won her second title of the season 7-5, 7-5 Sunday over the Belgian at the Acura Classic. The Russian's victory in nearly two hours put an end to a dominating run on American cement for top seed Clijsters, reigning US Open champion and winner of her last 24 matches during the pre-US Open summer dating to a year ago. Clisters, who had complained of fatigue this week as her 24-year- old body feels the relentless pace of the sport, was unable to fight back after losing a 55-minute opening set to the 19-year-old Russian. 'I hung in there during some amazing points in the second set,' said the winner. 'I had lost to her four times in a row. I thought this might be my lucky day. It's amazing to get the title.' 2004 Wimbledon champion Sharapova added the San Diego title to her trophy in March at Indian Wells. The teenager has been felling healthy and fully fit on court for the first time in a year, after various setbacks including chest and ankle injuries. The win denied Clijsters a title at a 10th event in California, leaving San Diego as the missing chapter in her story of success. Sharapova was contesting her first career summer hard-court final. She now owns a dozen trophies and stands 37-7 this season. Clijsters had beaten the Russian twice in 2003 and twice last year for a perfect 4-0 record going in. Despite her defeat, Clijsters will remain second in the world with Sharapova staying fourth in the rankings. Clijsters was unable to convert on 10 of her 13 break points while Sharapova went five for eight. © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur