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Sharapova's recess earns fans' ire

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published April 1, 2006

KEY BISCAYNE - Was it gamesmanship that sent Maria Sharapova to the bathroom in Thursday night's more-difficult-than-expected semifinal win over Tatiana Golovin? Or did she really have to go? That's what many wondered in the crowd, and judging by the fans' response it appears they thought she was faking it.

In what might have been the best match of the tournament, Sharapova, the fourth seed, escaped when, leading 6-3, 6-7 (7-5), 4-3, Golovin, the 22nd seed, turned her ankle and had to retire despite cheers of encouragement from the crowd. By then the fans had long since turned against Sharapova, who arguably is the sport's most popular player.

And it was all over a potty break.

Sharapova appeared to be in total control of the match, but then inexplicably dropped three straight games late in the second set. At 5-4, she asked for the break, a request the chair umpire at first rejected but then granted after a little pleading.

"I had to go to the bathroom from the beginning of the set, and that was the longest game," she said. "I mean, that was like a five-, seven-minute game. I really had to go."

The crowd didn't buy it.

She left the court to boos and greeted by more when she returned.

"It's part of the sport," Sharapova said. "It happens everywhere. The crowd needs entertainment."

RUSSIAN SURGE: After taking three of the season's four majors two years ago, the Russian women were all the rage. Now, after a bit of a dip, they appear to be back in full force. For the second straight event, two Russians meet in the final. Two weeks ago, it was Sharapova and Elena Dementieva. This time, it's Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, who play at noon today.

It will mark the eighth All-Russian final in Sony Ericsson WTA Tour history.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: According to TV commentator Mary Carillo, an avid basketball fan, there are several similarities between Florida Gators center Joakim Noah and his father, tennis Hall-of-Famer Yannick Noah.

"I loved watching (Yannick) play," Carillo said. "He was so much fun. (Joakim) is just like him. His son is a basketball echo of him. He comes right at you, plays with great emotion and lets you be apart of that moment. He's very inclusive, just like Yannick was."

Carillo, a longtime Florida resident, said she's pulling for the Gators to win the national title. Her son, Anthony, competed against Florida point guard Taurean Green at the IMG Academy in Bradenton.

BY THE NUMBERS: 96 percent - First serve points won Friday in Ivan Ljubicic's 6-1,6-2 semifinal drubbing of David Nalbandian (24 of 25). 40 percent - First serve points won by Nalbandian (18 of 45). ... Kuznetsova has lost one set in four matches.

[Last modified April 1, 2006, 00:56:12]