• BNP Paribas Showdown

McIlroy steals limelight as Sharapova beats Wozniacki

ESPN staff
March 6, 2012
Watch Rory McIlroy take on Maria Sharapova

Caroline Wozniacki remains upbeat ahead of the defence of her Indian Wells crown, despite losing an exhibition match to Maria Sharapova in New York.

A game away from defeat, Wozniacki invited boyfriend, new world No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroy onto the court. Although McIlroy won the only shot he played against Sharapova, Wozniacki was unable to stave off defeat as she succumbed to a 6-3 6-4 loss in the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden.

Despite slipping to No. 4 in the world, Wozniacki insists she is more concerned about rediscovering her form rather than her ranking.

"Everyone has things to defend or not to defend. It's just about playing," she said. "You will have more points at some tournaments, a little bit less at some, so it evens out in the end."

Meanwhile, Andy Roddick claimed a rare victory over Roger Federer in the night's second exhibition match. Roddick, who has just two wins from 23 competitive matches against Federer, claimed a 7-5 7-6(7) victory on his first appearance at Madison Square Garden.

"I'm obviously in Roger's head," Roddick, who has fallen to No. 31 in the world, joked. "He had no idea how to play me and I capitalized on that… The whole night felt surreal. I could feel Jeremy Lin wanted me to win tonight. I felt his energy in the building."

"I heard Andy was struggling a little bit so it's good see him play so well and hopefully make a run again into the top 10," Federer said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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