Maria Sharapova is now a two-time champion at Roland Garros.  Her 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-4 victory over a determined Simona Halep offered tennis fans a lot to enjoy.  Sharapova was already on track for a first ballot induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  However, any Grand Slam victory adds a layer of glory to a champion’s career.  Sharapova now holds 5 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic Silver Medal.  She also has tended to win these big events on even numbered years.  She won Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, Roland Garros and a Silver Medal in 2012 and now Roland Garros in 2014.

First Set Recap

Simona Halep opened the match with a service break and then held serve for a 2-0 lead. Sharapova rebounded in a forceful manner to win the next 5 games.  Halep held serve and a broke serve to place the set back on serve.  Returning at 4-5, Sharapova broke Halep again to take the set 6-4.  Sharapova scrambled well in the first set and hit some amazing winners when under pressure.

Second Set Recap

Sharapova raced to a 2-0 lead in the second set.  The match appeared to be on a fast track toward completion.  Halep rebounded to level the set at 2-2 with some spirited rallies and defensive tennis.  Sharapova once again built a two game lead taking the match to 6-4, 4-2. Halep went on an unexpected 3 game run to find herself serving for the 2nd set at 5-4. Sharapova broke, Halep broke, and Sharapova broke again to level the set at 6-6.  The tiebreak featured some interesting play as each player took a moment to hold off the other from serving.  Sharapova led 5-3 in the tiebreak.  Halep won 4 consecutive points to level the match.  Sharapova then took a bathroom break.  Halep’s will and consistency gave her a chance at winning this match even though she trailed for most of the first 2 sets.

Third Set Recap

Halep was broken to start the third set.  Halep broke back and held.  Halep had opportunities to take a 3-1 lead, but Sharapova held for 2-2 and let out a demonstrative celebration. Sharapova then broke serve and held for a 4-2 lead.  It appeared that the match was trending toward Sharapova again.  Halep steadied herself and held serve for 3-4.  Halep fought to earn a break point, and Sharapova threw in a double fault to level the set at 4-4.  Sharapova then took over the match.  She hit with authority to take a break lead and then served the match out cleanly.  It was a high quality final that demonstrated two-top tier players competing with great intensity.  We can hope that tomorrow offers another high quality championship matches.