Sharapova wins Indian Wells

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Originally uploaded by robynw.

Every single time that Elena Dementieva makes it into a final, I cringe. Back when I saw her a few years ago at the NASDAQ 100 Open in Miami, I couldn't help but think that it must be tough to be an Elena fan. I really do think she has a great attitude, on court and off - but I do think that it hurts her in that she clearly isn't compelled enough to do her best serving during a match. Anyway, I am tired of thinking about, seeing and hearing about her shitty serve, so enough on that.

Maria Sharapova had this match to lose, and she didn't squander this opportunity. She has finally escaped her semifinal curse. I'm looking forward to the draw for the NASDAQ, because the IW draw, while weak, still had enough top players in it to really rule out any major surpises on who the final 8 would be.

Click on the photo to see more that I took at IW.