Coming into the 2012 French Open Final, Maria Sharapova was already guaranteed to be named the No. 1 ranked female player in the world regardless of the result of the match against her Italian counterpart, Sara Errani. However, Sharapova was more focused on a bigger goal, completing the career Grand Slam.
After defeating Errani in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, Sharapova accomplished her goal by winning her first ever title at Roland Garros. The win came almost three years after falling to the 126th ranking in the world following a shoulder surgery that could have ended her career. Sharapova spent that time rededicating herself to her game and concentrating on playing on clay. The work paid off as she is 16-0 on the surface this season.
Her comments via Cleveland.com:
"I believe in my game," Sharapova said. "I think that's one of the reasons I'm sitting here with my fourth one and winning Roland Garros, because I always believed I could be a better player."
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