Sharapova defeats Halep in three-set thriller on return from doping ban

New York Aug 29 (IANS) Russian star Maria Sharapova defeated second seed Simona Halep 6-4 4-6 6-3 in the first round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows here.

Wildcard Sharapova who was making her first appearance at a Grand Slam since her return from a 15-month suspension for doping outlasted the Romanian in a much-anticipated first round match on Arthur Ashe court that lasted over two and a half hours on Monday reports Efe.

Sharapova a five-time Grand Slam winner overpowered Halep in the first set before the second seed showed considerable fight to overcome the obvious physical mismatch and take the second set 6-4.

The Russian put any fears that her lengthy suspension would reduce her toughness and edge firmly to rest in the third set taking it 6-3.

Sharapova hit 60 winners on the night four times as many as her opponent to extend her winning record against Halep to 7-0.

"You sometimes wonder why you put in all the work " Sharapova said on court after her victory "and this is exactly why."

"Behind the crystals this girl has grit " she added to loud cheers from the crowd.

Sharapova moves on to the second round where she will face 59th-ranked Timea Babos of Hungary.

--IANS
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