How difficult did you find the wind today?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Yeah, it was certainly different than the previous two matches. But, you know, going into the warmup, you know it's going to be out there. You feel it. It's pretty much the same for your opponent.
I think it's just about being patient and, you know, maybe a little bit smarter. But, yeah, overall it was all right. Considering the conditions, I'm pretty happy with the way I played.

Did you ever recall a serve before where the ball bounced before it got to the net?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Oh, yeah, I'm sure I have. A lot in practice.

36 unforced errors, 9 double faults. Do you think you kind of gave the match to her?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Uhm, even with those, you know, unforced errors, I still had my chances and I was 1 for 8 on breakpoints. You know, against someone that's playing really well, you know, playing with a lot of confidence, it's really important to take those chances that you have, the very few that come your way. I felt like I played a couple of good points and then, you know, make an easy error, hit a return long or miss a first serve, give her many looks at second serve returns. You know, didn't feel like I put much pressure on her, you know.

What is she doing especially well?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
She's retrieving a lot of balls. You know, she served really well today. She used the wind really effectively, you know, especially when she was playing against the wind. You know, she was able to use many things to her advantage. I wasn't able to capitalize.

From your viewpoint, what went wrong?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Just didn't win the match. You know, bottom line.
Uhm, you know, certainly had my chances and just didn't execute. You know, I felt like I was -- when she was up and then I'd get back there, back in the game, I just didn't take advantage of that and let her, you know, let her control the situation again.

What are the challenges of playing someone you know so well and is a friend?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Uhm, I mean, when we go on the court we don't really think about that. We just go out and we try to play our game, you know. No matter how well you know someone or not, it's a new day and a new match, and you just try to go out there and perform.

How impressed were you with the way you were striking the ball?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
I was pretty happy because I kind of came from a slow court in Toronto to a pretty fast court here, which you always know going into the US Open, the Arthur Ashe Stadium is pretty quick. So it was all about adjustment.
I played a tricky opponent who doesn't give you much rhythm. It was just really important to stay on top of her and do the right things from the beginning. I thought I had a little bit of a slow start, but once I got going, I was able to do a good job of maintaining.

What are your thoughts?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Uhm, no real thoughts. I lost the match (smiling).

Do you, yourself, understand what happened this afternoon?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Uhm, yes. I mean, if I'm smart enough, I should know. It took me a while to get going. It's a little too late to start picking yourself up when you're down a set and 3‑0. You know, it's a little late.