Sharapova Proves to Be the Most Popular Star of the Korea Open

Seventeen-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Maria Sharapova, who arrived in Korea on September 26 for the first time to compete in the Hansol Korea Open WTA event, proved herself to be a world star, endued with beauty and competency. Hundreds of fans clustered around everywhere Sharapova went during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Showmanship-

In the first round of the Hansol Korea Open at the center court of Seoul`s 1988 Olympic tennis complex on Tuesday, some 5,000 enthusiastic fans were busily taking photographs of this wunderkind of tennis.

Competency-

Top-seeded Sharapova, ranked eighth in the world, beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi of Switzerland, ranked 93th in the world, 6-1, 6-3, in 71 minutes. Her powerful serves from her long arms and tall stature (183 cm), and her accurate strokes deep into the corners of the court paralyzed the opponent. After her victory in the first round, Sharapova blew kisses to the crowd four times, drawing even more cheers from the male fans. Sharapova will play against Japan`s Miho Saeki on September 30 at 2:00 p.m. It will be broadcasted by KBS 1TV.

Professionalism-

Sharapova underwent over four hours of intensive training with three coaches, including her father. Right after she won the first round match, she practiced for an hour without any rest in order to correct the errors that she had committed during the match.

Fashion-

Sharapova arrived at the Incheon International Airport with a short-brimmed brown hat. In the welcoming dinner party on September 27, she appeared with a denim microskirt and high heels, a luxurious handbag, and long earrings hanging down to her shoulders. Sharapova dreams of becoming a fashion designer one day. Sharapova said that she prefers elegant and sensuous style and that she is very interested in designing sportswear.

Teenager-

Sharapova has been touring all around the world at a tender age to compete against world-class tennis players. Homesickness is the most difficult and stressful thing that she has to endure. Sharapova said that she wants to enjoy shopping and go to the beach to sunbathe, just like anybody her age does. However, Sharapova said she would grade her tennis performance only five points out of 10, and that she will continue to practice hard until she achieves a grand slam and becomes the No. 1 player in women’s tennis.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com