Sharapova scores statement win over Halep at US Open

Maria Sharapova has announced her return to Grand Slam tennis with a thrilling first-round victory over Simona Halep at the US Open.

Sharapova, who has not played at a major tournament since Australian Open 2016, beat the second seed 6-4 4-6 6-3 to advance to a second-round meeting with Timea Babos.

The Russian was overcome with emotion after sealing victory in two hours and 44 minutes, sinking to the court and then shedding tears in her courtside chair.

She had spent a well-documented 15-month stint on the sidelines serving a doping ban – following a positive test at Australian Open 2016 – and returned to the sport four months ago in Stuttgart.

“You never know what you’re going to feel until that match point,” Sharapova said on Arthur Ashe Stadium after the win.

“This was so much more, and I don’t want to think about it. Everything that you go through is worth it, just for this moment.

“You sometimes wonder why you put in all the work, and this is exactly why.”

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With the victory, Sharapova extends her head-to-head dominance over Halep to 7-0. And it looked like it was going to be a far more dominant affair at the US Open on Monday.

She came out with the clear intention of punishing Halep’s serve and anything the Romanian dropped short; she finished the match with 60 winners and 64 unforced errors compared with Halep’s tallies of 15 and 14.

It was a make-or-break approach that ultimately proved in her favour.

New York, WOW!! How can I sleep after this! @usopen pic.twitter.com/mtIbMEW24f

— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) August 29, 2017

Sharapova, a former world No.1 and five-time Grand Slam champion had points for a 6-4 5-1 lead in the blockbuster night match, before Halep, a two-time Roland Garros finalist, came storming back.

She weathered a big-hitting storm to reel off five straight games and sent the match into third set, at which point Sharapova departed the court for a lengthy bathroom break.

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When Sharapova returned she was rejuvenated, skipping to a 3-0 lead thanks to committed, aggressive play – and the odd display of delicate touch.

Halep forced Sharapova to serve for the match with a hold in the eighth game, and when Sharapova double-faulted to fall behind 0-30, the Romanian appeared on the verge of another comeback, especially when she held a break point.

Yet a forehand into the net saw his miss that chance, and Sharapova belted a backhand winner down the line to reach her first match point.

She converted on her first opportunity when Halep fired long.