Maria Sharapova booed by French Open crowd after win

PARIS — Under a chorus of boos, two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova walked off Court Philippe Chatrier – a winner.

Sharapova, the No. 2 seed, defeated Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-4 on the court where she has won her most recent majors – in 2012 and last year. But when the Russian refused to do a post-match interview for fans inside the French Open's main court, the French fans showed their disapproval.

The stadium emcee announced that Sharapova's "voice is broken" as the defending champion packed her things on court, producing a loud stream of boos from the often-opinionated French crowd.

Sharapova is fighting a cold, her famous grunt registering in a different, lower tone and a grimace often plastered on her face during what was otherwise a relatively routine win.

"I totally understand that, you know, everyone usually does post-(match) interview and answers a few questions to the crowd," Sharapova told reporters after the match. "It's absolutely normal. I don't – I'm not making any excuses – but I've got to do what I have to do."

The five-time major winner comes into Paris having won the final big clay warm-up event in Rome two weeks ago, and is 63-6 in her last 69 matches on the clay, dating back to 2012. She showed no symptoms of illness in Rome.

"I mean, unless I'm really in my coffin, I'm going to be out there," a soft-spoken Sharapova said, laughing.

"But it's just the way it is. I'm getting over it, and hopefully it will pass by soon."

Sharapova will face countrywoman Vitalia Diatchenko in the second round.

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