There was a lot of talk about the exhibition match between Maria Sharapova and Anna Chakvetadze. Weeks before the match everybody was talking about it, Singapore went crazy for Maria. So, now that it’s over, what are people’s impressions? Fellow tennis blogger Nawin attended the event, and his impressions are mixed. I will just sum up what he said in his review, for his detailed story accompanied with photos visit Regentville Tennis Blog.

Nawin is happy that Singapore, after a long time, got the opportunity to welcome two high-profile tennis players. However, he hopes that this was just the beginning of big events organized in Singapore. He’s disappointed because the organization was bad, and the ball boys and girls were slow and uncoordinated. Also, the umpire had to do most of the work because line judges were unsure of the calls. As the match progressed, Maria and Anna clearly became frustrated with this.

Oops, I almost forgot: Maria Sharapova beat Anna Chakvetadze 6-0, 7-6(10). (photo via Sharapova’s website)

We see Maria’s father, Yuri Sharapov, at every match his daughter plays, but her mother Yelena has remained somewhat mysterious (something like Jelena Jankovic’s father). But here is your chance to remind yourself of what she looks like, in a photo where she stands with Maria in front of a Christmas tree.

It is rumored that Yelena doesn’t enjoy watching her daughter’s matches and only likes to hear the scores afterwards.

If you want more of Maria’s mother, take a look at these photos. (via Down the Line)

Maria Sharapova will play an exhibition match against fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze in Singapore on December 30, and goods Sharapova will be using during her stay in a five-star hotel will be auctioned off.

Eager fans have been making inquiries – and offers – to buy almost anything Sharapova comes in contact with. However, the officials have decided not to offer everything for auction, for the sake of good taste – therefore, they said, toilet seats or covers won’t be available. Disposable items such as bathrobes, towels slippers, pillow cases and bedsheets will be auctioned off. It’s still not determined yet whether the goods will be washed or not.

BTW: Sharapova will be staying in the presidential suite at the riverside Fullerton Hotel which costs $4,745 per night. (source: Bangkok Post, photo via Sharapova's official site)

We all know that Maria Sharapova had to change her serving motion due to a right shoulder injury, and…in the photo you can see the outcome. Hehe.

The photo was taken last week during the 7th Annual Andy Roddick Charity Weekend in Florida where Sharapova partnered James Blake and they played Roddick and Brenda Schultz-McCarthy.

Additional info: I’ve just stumbled upon a forum called Commercials I Hate, and Maria Sharapova’s Canon ad, the one where she takes pictures of a dog, is being discussed there. What irritates some forum members about the ad? (via Celebmagic)

Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams have reorganized their schedules and decided to skip the Medibank International in Sydney.

The two former world number ones will instead prepare for the 2008 Australian Open at the J B GROUP Classic exhibition in Hong Kong which will take place from January 2-5. Apart from Sharapova and Williams, the exhibition in Hong Kong will include Daniela Hantuchova, Elena Dementieva, Ana Ivanovic, Anna Chakvetadze, Peng Shuai, and Caroline Wozniacki.

However, world’s top-ranked player Justine Henin will participate in the Sydney's tournament as the leader of the women’s draw.

The 2008 Medibank International will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from January 6-12.