Sharapova falls in opener nearly 15 years after first Wimbledon title
In 2004, a 17-year-old Maria Sharapova hoisted the Wimbledon trophy over Serena Williams.
Fifteen years ago, a 17-year-old Maria Sharapova stormed through a stacked Wimbledon draw to claim her first major title. Unfortunately for the five-time major champion, there will not be a chance of rekindling that magical run.
Pauline Parmentier led 4-6, 7-6 (4), 5-0 in their first-round encounter Tuesday before Sharapova retired with what appeared to be a left wrist/arm injury. The Russian was two points away from advancing up 5-2, 30-30 in the second set, and also served for the match at 5-3.
In 2004, Sharapova had the daunting task of facing world No. 1 Serena Williams in the final but was not fazed, capturing the Wimbledon trophy with a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over the two-time defending champion. That impressive display was her first of two successive victories against Williams, before the American began an 18-match win streak in their head-to-head series.
Sharapova made her return from a five-month injury absence two weeks ago in Mallorca. She fell in the second round to the reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber in straight sets.
