Maria Sharapova of Russia, the fourth-seeded player of the 2011 US Open Women’s Singles event, was eliminated in the third round by veteran Italian Flavia Pennetta in three sets. Pennetta prevailed in 2 and a half hours with the score showing 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Sharapova racked up 12 double-faults apart from several problems with her other strokes in the Friday match. The loss ended Sharapova’s streak of winning three-set matches at 12.
“I came back. I had chances. There’s no doubt I had chances,” Sharapova said.
“But I guess today was the day I didn’t take them,” she added.
Sharapova was a heavy favorite to win the 2011 US Open title following the exits of 2011 Slam winners Li Na (French Open) and Petra Kvitova (Wimbledon) in the first round. Two-time defending champion Kim Clijsters (also the 2011 Australian Open winner) did not participate this year. This leaves Serena Williams as the favorite to win the hardcourt Slam tournament.
