Sharapova curses final set charity against Azarenka

New York, Sep 8 - Maria Sharapova cursed her final-set form in the US Open semifinal defeat to Victoria Azarenka, saying she gave her opponent a free ride on crucial points.

The Russian World No. 3 went a set and a break up before the top-ranked Belarusian came back to snatch a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory at the Flushing Meadows Friday.

“Its frustrating but it’s the game of tennis,” Sharapova said.

“There were a lot of swings in the match today. I didn’t do much on her service games, she was winning them pretty easy. On mine, they were quite long, and I wasn’t putting too much pressure on her. I think I gave her too many free points.”

Sharapova, the French Open champion and Olympic silver medallist, reflected on the wider picture too, however, saying she took some consolation in her best US Open performance since her 2006 victory.

It was also the latest episode in Sharapova’s increasingly intriguing rivalry with Azarenka, whom she trails 6-4 in career head-to-heads.

“She has the better record against me but hopefully when I’m done I can change that around,” Sharapova said.

Azarenka faces three-time champion Serena Williams in the final.