Maria Sharapova Kicks Off Regions Morgan Keegan Championships

Memphis, TN –  Maria Sharapova highlighted the opening round of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis.  The top-seeded Sharapova did not disappoint as she rolled to an easy victory over Shenay Perry.  Sharapova dominated both sets, showcasing the power which has taken her as high as No. 1 in the world.

Also winning in the opening round was No. 3 Kaia Kanepi over Arantxa Rus and No. 6 Kristina Barrois, defeating Anne Keothavong. 

The surprises of the day were in Doubles, where the top-seeded women’s team of Vladimira Uhlirova and Renata Voracova were upset by Yulia Fedossova and Ksenia Lykina in straight sets.  Also the No. 4 team of Maria Kondratieva and Sophie Lefevre were defeated by Stephanie Cohen-Aloro and Kristina Kucova.  The seeded men’s team did not fare any better, with the No. 4 team of Martin Damm and Filip Plolasek losing in straight sets to Ross Hutchins and Jordan Kerr.

In men’s singles, No. 3 Radek Stepanek advanced over qualifier Kevin Anderson and No. 6 John Isner defeated Ryan Harrison.

First round play continues on Tuesday, headlined by Fernando Verdasco and Melanie Oudin.