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June 9, 2012

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Sharapova is back on top

MARIA Sharapova enjoyed a low-key celebration for reaching her first French Open final and reclaiming the world No. 1 spot after a four-year absence - she ordered hotel room service.

"Yeah, my celebration was room service and a massage. How exciting, huh? Yeah, that's as good as it gets before a final," the Russian said yesterday, 24 hours before she tackles Sara Errani of Italy for the French Open title.

Sharapova guaranteed a return to the world No. 1 ranking by beating Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-3 in Thursday's semifinals, before heading back to her hotel and her conservative celebrations.

On Thursday, she admitted she feared she'd never return to the top after a shoulder injury almost wrecked her career.

"I was in a position a few years ago where I didn't quite know if I would ever be here again on this stage playing professionally," said Sharapova.

"It's a long road back. It's a lot of days of frustration and uncertainty not knowing if you'll ever get there, not knowing how much you want it, not knowing whether it would be a moment like that for you again."

 

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