Maria Sharapova defeated Russian Nadia Petrova 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 today in the second round of the French Open. This year’s Roland Garros tournament is her first grand slam competition since undergoing right shoulder surgery last year. Maria looked a little rough around the edges, in particular her footwork wasn’t as clean as it could’ve been and she showed particular rust especially when forced to play defense. However, the one thing that has remained, or even improved in her absence from the tour, is her competitive spirit. She fought extremely hard despite clearly not playing her best game. She showed why she is a true champion.

Prediction: Maria will eventually meet a player that will expose her weaknesses, but you never know she also has the ability to improve as the tournament goes on. Winning on clay is about heart, patience, and desire. In the third round she plays a little known russian Yaroslava Shvedova. Maria will come out and take it to her in straight sets. Stay tuned…