Sharapova's loss will break many hearts, but Dulko, Ivanovic & Hantuchova can try and make up for the glamazon's exit
Sharapova's loss will break many hearts, but Dulko, Ivanovic & Hantuchova can try and make up for the glamazon's exit
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This is the time when players like Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantuchova and Sharapova-conqueror Gisela Dulko can prove that they are not just pretty faces and have an X-factor just like the Russian beauty.
Meanwhile, Sharapova shrugged off her defeat by insisting she can regain her membership of the women's superpower club.
The 2004 champion slumped to a shock 2-6, 6-3, 4-6 loss to sultry Dulko on Centre Court in just her fourth tournament since returning after a 10-month injury lay-off following a shoulder surgery.
"You think of these injuries as basically preventing you from playing your sport. But if you look at the bigger picture, there are many things that can happen that can limit you to doing things in life or even having a life," said the 22-year-old.
"But if you have a good head on your shoulders, you also know that there's a life to live and if you stay positive, everything's going to be all right, no matter what and no matter how bad the injury is."
Sharapova insists that her recovery is a gradual process.
"I wasn't kidding when I said just being here is a wonderful accomplishment," said Sharapova.
"I'm not lying about it. I had the pleasure of playing on Centre Court again.
"I didn't play on it last year. The losses are tough but more here than at any other tournament. But it puts some perspective into your life. It's all right. I have many more years ahead of me."
Dulko, whose looks quickly prompted one British tabloid to crown her the new queen of Wimbledon in place of Sharapova, said that the Russian's increased volume levels in the decisive stages did not shake her out of her stride.
"I didn't really notice anything. It didn't bother me," said 25-year-old Dulko who defeated former great Martina Navratilova here in 2004.
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