Maria Sharapova did not look that perplexed after being beaten by Lucie Safarova

Maria Sharapova did not look that perplexed after being beaten by Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic at Roland Garros yesterday.

She dismissed it as “just an off day”.

Sharapova was probably not in the prime of her health during the match, but, still, to lose in straight sets was a pretty bad result for her.

Sharapova, though, was not of the view that her illness was the reason she suffered the defeat.

According to the Russian beauty, in spite of her illness, she was out there to compete and if she lost, she lost only because she could not play as well as she needed to.

Speaking to the media persons post the match, Sharapova said, “Lucie’s game on the day was much better than mine. She was very innovative, created the chances and won the match.”

“Using illness as an excuse is not something that I like to do. When you are out on the court, you are a competitor and you look to win regardless of whatever your condition is.”

“I am hoping my health improves quickly and I get a bit of time to get myself prepared before the Wimbledon starts.”

The Roland Garros could have seen another huge upset yesterday as the American youngster Sloane Stephens had managed to go on the verge of defeating her compatriot and world no. 1 Serena Williams.

But, that did not materialize as Serena came back to her flow later on to blow away her 22-year old opponent.

Stephens had got better of Venus in the previous round and the way she played the first set against Serena, it seemed she would give the Williams family another setback. But, it wasn’t to be.

Serena too, like Sharapova, was not 100% healthy during the game.