Maria Sharapova is 'Unstoppable'? Russian hints at retiring post Australian Open 2020 loss

Former World .1 Maria Sharapova’s Australian Open campaign came to an end in first round itself. Maria Sharapova lost to 19th seed Donna Vekic 6-3, 6-4. five-time Grand Slam title winner was able to participate in tournament after being given a wild card entry, helped by fact that she won competition in 2008.

Also Re |  Maria Sharapova Handed Australian Open Wildcard

Also Re | vak Djokovic Accepts Maria Sharapova's Invite To Donate $25,000 For Aus Bushfire Victims

Last year, Maria Sharapova h reached fourth round of tournament. However, injuries forced her to miss French Open. Sharapova participated in Wimbledon and US Open but me her exit in 2nd and 1st rounds of tournaments respectively. In recent years, Sharapova has struggled with injuries and was also suspended for testing positive during a doping test.

In post-match conference, Sharapova was n-committal about her playing future, potentially hinting at her retirement even before Australian Open next year. Fitness is set to play a crucial role in her longevity in sport, as her stocks are declining on and off court by date. At of 32, her desire and dedication to play at highest level has come under immense scrutiny once again.

Maria Sharapova vs Donna Vekic

During post-match interview, Donna Vekic said that she has always enjoyed playing on a big st and is happy to have won her match. This was Vekic's second year at  Rod Laver Arena. Vekic last played against Maria Sharapova in 2018 French Open, where 32-year-old Russian won in two closely fought sets. Since n, Vekic has seen a career surge. She reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at 2019 US Open and broke through to top 20.

Also Re | Australian Wildfire: Maria Sharapova Pledges $17,400, Urges Djokovic To Match Her Donation

In or matches, 2016 Australian Open semifinalist Johanna Konta lost her first-round match against Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-2. It was Konta's second match since last year’s US Open. She missed most of season following US Open due to a tendinitis-related problem in her right knee. Konta said that she is happy to have started playing again and to be in physically better shape than she was in September last year. Meanwhile, Jabeur, who is currently ranked 78, said that her goal this year is to make it into top 20.

Also Re | Fit-again Maria Sharapova Gets Wildcard Entry To Brisbane International