'Rock star' quality separates Sharapova

Maria Sharapova did not just reach the third round of the US Open on Wednesday, she also showed that she is a rock star who never disappoints her fans, according to former world No 1 Mats Wilander.

"The saying 'the heart of a champion' was invented for her," Wilander, who is at the tournament as an analyst for Eurosport TV, said in a daily chat with Reuters.

"She does not have mental meltdowns. It's amazing.

"She keeps hanging in, hanging in even if she's not playing well and expectations are through the roof for the rest of the people.

"She could easily have let go in the second set, but as soon as she turned the second set around, it was over."

Sharapova saved two break points to hold for 3-3 in the second set and after that won nine of the 11 remaining games.

Wilander said her drive is the key to her success.

"It's not enough to be a good competitor. Good competitors want to win. But with her, you have the feeling she needs to win," he said.

"Today was another typical Maria Sharapova performance. She's been like that throughout her career. The great champions are not always those who have won the most; the great champions become great champions when people have expectations.

"Great champions always deliver. What people come to see, they give it to them.

"They don't come to see Sharapova win, they come to see Sharapova because they know they're going to get her absolute best fight.

"She delivers every single time. That's talent. She's a rock star."

Reuters