Sharapova rues error-strewn performance

mariasharapova - cropped

Maria Sharapova conceded she was not at her best on Thursday as she suffered a surprise exit at the Miami Open against Daria Gavrilova.

The world number two had to save two breaks points in the third game of her second round match, but her 21-year-old opponent – ranked 95 places lower - waste no further chances – eventually taking the opener on a tie break.

Sharapova's rhythm continued to elude her in the second and after nearly two hours on court her 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 exit was confirmed, a wayward groundstroke landing well out to hand Gavrilova the biggest win of her career.

"I was committing a lot of errors and not really staying patient," said Sharapova. "And maybe going for too many winners but not moving forward enough.

"Of course it's a bit of a surprise. It's the first round. I'm expected to win. 

"But that's why we play the matches – you still have to go out and win it, no matter if you're the favourite. 

"Today I didn't."

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