Sharapova Sportsmanship on Display after Heartbreaking Retirement by Wang in Shenzhen

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Sharapova Sportsmanship on Display after Heartbreaking Retirement by Wang in Shenzhen

Maria Sharapova started the new year with a sportsmanship moment at the Shenzhen Open on Wednesday. The Russian star came to the aid of 17-year-old Wang Xinyu after the teenager was forced to endure a heartbreaking retirement in the second set of her match against the five-time major champion.

It was still a stunning display from the 17-year-old wild card. She matched Sharapova’s power in a tight first set and despite the fact that she failed to convert four set points in the tenth game, still took it in the tiebreaker.

But Wang, who won two Junior Slam titles in doubles in 2018, suffered in the second set after taking a 2-0 lead and would soon be forced to forfeit a pair of games just to get immediate medical attention from staff at a changeover.

As soon as it became apparent that Wang could not continue, Sharapova visited Wang at her chair and offered some firm words of encouragement.

"You played unbelievable"@MariaSharapova has a great moment with Wang Xinyu after the wildcard is forced to retire at 6-7(4), 5-2. #ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/3RyfnG7TgK
— WTA (@WTA) January 2, 2019

Sharapova would stay with Wang until the moment she was able to pick herself off her chair and exited the court under her own power.

Sharapova: “You take care of yourself ok? If you play like this you’re going to be No.1. I promise.” #ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/cugobhg5qe
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 2, 2019