Maria Sharapova Opens 2012 WTA Championships With Round Robin Win, Still Has A Chance To Finish Year #1

Maria Sharapova (click to enlarge)

After a slow 2-2 start, Maria Sharapova unleashed her powerful forehand to overpower Sara Errani, winning 12 of the next 15 games and ripping 39 winners (22 forehand) en route to a 6-3 6-2 round robin win at the 2012 TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships. The rematch of the 2012 Roland Garros final, also won by Masha, was the first step in what could be Sharapova finishing the year as #1. Now before the die-hard tennis fans lose their mind that I brought that up…yes, the best player this year was Serena Williams regardless of ranking. I am not disputing that at all. Just look at the facts: Wimbledon, US Open, Olympics. Also, the chance of Masha finishing #1 is slim. She would have to win the WTA Championships. The best players are here, so that will be tough. However, it’s not unthinkable that she could do that. The tough part is that Victoria Azarenka would have to win a maximum of 1 round robin match and not make it past the semis. I can’t see that happening. She might lose to Serena in round robin play…maybe…but she can beat everybody else. Still, as I post this, it is still possible for Masha to finish the year as the #1 ranked player. Considering where her game was after her shoulder surgery, that would be sweet.