Maria Sharapova Joins Serena Williams For The BNP Paribas WTA Finals In Singapore
Maria Sharapova has qualified to play in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour Championships in Singapore. She joins Serena Williams in the BNP Paribas WTA Finals, which will take place from Oct. 17 to Oct. 26. The tournament will hold the 44th edition of singles events and the 39th edition of the doubles event.
The announcement was made on WTA's official website on Sept. 9. Sharapova is the second athlete to qualify for the singles competition.
"I am really excited to qualify for the WTA Finals and to bring the best in women's tennis to Singapore," Sharapova said.
Six more athletes will be determined at the latter part of the current season.
According to WTA Chairman and Chief Executive Stacey Allaster, they were thrilled to have Sharapova in the tournament. "The fans in Singapore will be able to witness first-hand the best of the best competing head to head as each match has the energy and feel of a final," Allaster said.
The 2014 WTA Finals marks Sharapova's seventh appearance in the tournament.
2004
Sharapova made her debut in the WTA Finals in 2004. She easily triumphed in her round-robin matches and reached the finals where she defeated Serena Williams.
2005
The following year, Sharapova also qualified in the 2005 WTA Finals. However, she lost the semifinals match to ensuing champion Amelie Mauresmo.
2006
Sharapova won her three round-robin matches in the 2006 WTA Finals. She made it to the semifinals but lost to another eventual champion Justine Henin-Hardenne.
2007
Sharapova and Henin-Hardenne faced each other again at the 2007 WTA finals, but this time they met in the finale. The Belgian athlete successfully defended her title.
2008--2010
Due to Sharapova's shoulder injury, which she sustained sometime in August 2008, she was forced to pull out of several tournaments, including the Rogers Cup, Beijing Olympics, and the US Open. She also failed to qualify in the WTA Tour Championships in 2008 as well as in 2009 and 2010.
2011
Sharapova was selected to play in 2011, but she had to withdraw from the tournament due to an ankle injury.
2012
In the 2012 WTA Tour Championships, Sharapova reached the finals but lost to rival Serena Williams.
2013
Sharapova's shoulder injury reappeared, making her miss some of the tournaments. She didn't qualify in 2013.
2014
The 2014 WTA Tour Championships/WTA Finals will be played on hard court. The winner will earn $6.5 million.
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