Error-prone Maria Sharapova falls to Caroline Garcia in Stuttgart opener

ByReuters

Updated 24/04/2018 at 16:57 GMT

Maria Sharapova's claycourt season got off to a poor start on Tuesday as she lost in three sets to Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

Maria Sharapova of Russia returns the ball to Caroline Garcia of France during day 2 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche-Arena on April 24, 2018 in Stuttgart, Germany

Image credit: Getty Images

France's Garcia staged a strong fightback to prevail 3-6 7-6(6) 6-4 in two hours and 44 minutes for her first victory over the former world number one in her fifth attempt.

Eurosport Player One Year Pass for just £29.99

"It was a very close match. I know she is a fighter and it would be difficult until the end," sixth seed Garcia, who saved two match points in the second set, said.

WTA Miami

Collins downs Garcia to set up Alexandrova semi-final

28/03/2024 at 09:22

Sharapova, who came back from a 15-month doping ban at this tournament last April, won the first set with ease but the 31-year-old could not prevent a determined Garcia from dragging herself back into the contest through a tiebreak.

A 10th double fault by Sharapova at 4-4 handed Garcia the crucial break in the decider and the world number seven clinched the contest on her serve in the next game.

"I was a little more aggressive today and I returned a bit better. Finally I can say that after seven years I have beaten her... it's an important win," Garcia added.

Up next for Garcia is Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk who beat Antonia Lottner 6-4 6-1. The 15-year-old qualified for the main draw by overcoming France's Alize Cornet on Monday.

"I can't say I'm super surprised, because that's what I work for, and I know I can play at this level," Kostyuk said.

World number six Karolina Pliskova also advanced with a 6-2 6-2 win over Kiki Bertens while Magdalena Rybarikova dumped out Russia's Daria Kasatkina 6-2 6-2.

WTA Miami

'Every loss weighs heavy' - Gauff rues 'tough' defeat to Garcia

26/03/2024 at 09:44

WTA Miami

Garcia shocks Gauff to reach Miami Open quarter-finals, Boulter knocked out

25/03/2024 at 22:23

WTA Miami

Garcia dumps Osaka out of Miami Open to set up last-16 tie against Gauff

25/03/2024 at 07:00

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me