The one match I really wanted to watch on Saturday in Miami was the third round match between Maria Sharapova and Lucie Safarova.  Thanks to Serena’s long match, a rain delay and Donald Young v John Isner taking forever (thanks guys), it didn’t start till gone past 11pm UK time.  By all accounts it was a fantastic match, which Sharapova won 6-4 6-7(7) 6-2 in a whopping 2 hours and 56 minutes.

I was rather taken with how great Lucie’s new coach, Rob Steckley was with her in Indian Wells when she took on Simona Halep in the third round.  He outdid himself with this fantastic coaching session after she won the second set tiebreak against Sharapova last night.

Originally posted by @theoverrule on Twitter and YouTube video by SportsMagicianJJ

Also. SHE WENT IN FOR THE HUG WITH MARIA.

It was another tough loss for Safarova, but a fine win for Sharapova who dug deep to secure the win on her ninth match point.  There is no doubt that Lucie’s game is top ten worthy, but it’s not a secret she has always struggled to hold her nerve in the tight moments of matches.  I am really hoping that with this ace new coaching partnership she can reach the full potential of her game.  Lucie is fast becoming one of my favourites and she is one of the nicest players on tour.  I’ll be following her closely over the next few months.