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Maria Sharapova: emotional and victorious at Flushing Meadows

By Harry Floyd

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her first round Women's Singles match against Simona Halep of Romania on Day One of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 28: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning her first round Women's Singles match against Simona Halep of Romania on Day One of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Maria Sharapova faced one of the most difficult opening round draws at the 2017 US Open. The former world No. 1 defeats second seed Simona Halep.

Maria Sharapova continues her comeback to the sport of tennis with a hard-fought victory over Simona Halep. The former world No. 1 defeats Halep, one of the favorites this year at the US Open, in a three-set match that lasted nearly three hours.

Rising to the occasion during primetime on Monday night, Sharapova proved that she still has plenty of tennis left in her. After her time away from the sport due to the use of a banned substance, the Russian superstar has eased back into tennis throughout the 2017 WTA Tour.

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Sharapova defeats Halep in three sets, taking the opening round match 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the former world No. 1 improved to an unprecedented 18-0 during primetime on the court. There is no doubt that she feels comfortable at the US Open. Sharapova is a former champion at the major tournament, having won in 2006.

Her opening round win revealed a side of Maria Sharapova rarely seen by the general public.

Even in some of her greatest victories, Sharapova has often appeared celebratory yet poised. The win over Halep on Monday night revealed a more emotional and appreciative Maria Sharapova. Many counted her out after the draw was announced, but the Russian tennis star showed up for the sport that she loves.

After the match, Sharapova spoke at center court to thank everyone who has supported her in the recent months. Her team was understandably emotional as they looked on. The opening round win marks perhaps her most important first round victory to date.

Up next for Sharapova is Tímea Babos on Wednesday. She will no doubt take advantage of her day off Tuesday to fully appreciate Monday night’s win. With the women’s singles field seeing a mix of both veteran and young talent this year, a player such as Sharapova may be able to advance deep. Her vast experience at the US Open will be critical for her to make a run this year. While she has not competed in nearly as many tournaments this year as so many others in the field, emotions and experience will play a huge role in her run at the 2017 US Open.

Next: Top 10 Men's Singles Players in Open Era

Stay tuned to see how the former world No. 1 fares throughout the rest of the 2017 US Open. She continues her play at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

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