Maria Sharapova carried the Russian flag during the London Olympics opening ceremonies. She is a realist. She’s not expecting any support today when she faces the American wildcard college student Mallory Burdette of Stanford University today in an anticipated third-round match.
“This is her first U.S. Open main draw,’’ the third-seeded Sharapova said. “Obviously she’s going to get a lot of home support, which is absolutely normal. Of course, I’ve lived in this country since I was seven. I consider this to be my home. But I understand if the crowd does cheer for her as the underdog.’’
Sharapova was upset by crowd favorite Melanie Oudin in 2009 in the third round as Ashe Stadium erupted for the Georgia peach. Will history repeat?
“I might talk to Melanie a little bit, ask her a few questions just to get the inside scoop,’’ Burdette quipped.
Burdette, 21, is playing the U.S. Open as an amateur, unable to collect prize money. Ranked 252nd, she’s already forfeited $65,000 for her surprise Open run. It would rise to $120,000 with an upset of Sharapova.
“That money goes back to the USTA, so I’m sure they like me right now,’’ Burdette said.
An NCAA finalist last spring, Burdette will return to Stanford for her senior year. She had plans to go to medical school after graduation, but her summer success and two U.S. Open wins has made her think of turning pro after her senior year.
“My success this summer has kind of taken me in a different path,’’ Burdette said. “To end up here at the U.S. Open was a huge surprise. I never expected that at the beginning of the summer. I kind of thought I missed my chance at NCAAs when I lost in the finals. That wasn’t even on my radar. It’s been a crazy ride.’’