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WATCH: Sharapova down plays query into love life

The Russian expertly traversed tricky terrain in press.

By Jonathan Scott

Maria Sharapova had a tough Tuesday. To add near-insult to injury to insult, she struggled to a 2-1 third-set lead in her opening match in Rome before being forced to retire from that tight contest. In the hour before the match, her French Open fate was announced: The governing federation for the major event in Paris opted out of granting her a wild card entry into the tournament, in main or qualifying draws.

That was enough of a deluge for one day. The day before was more lighthearted (with a win over Christina Mchale). She got this question in her post-match presser about (what else?) her love life:

Sharapova Teases Reporter

“I’m a happy person.” Even without a boyfriend? "Are you married?" 😂

Posted by WTA on Monday, May 15, 2017

Many don’t pity Sharapova for the French Tennis Federation’s decision about a wild card. It’s hard not to feel some relief—for her, for all of us watching—as she deftly downplays a silly query, though. And if her Wednesday tweet says anything, this is far from the end for her.

A Maria hungry for a Wimbledon statement victory–even a championship–remains a dangerous Maria.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.