French Open 2012: And the runner-up is...Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova's French Open championship ceremony hit a low note on Saturday when the newly-crowned Roland Garros champion was introduced as the runner-up.
Maria Sharapova's French Open championship ceremony hit a low note on Saturday when the newly-crowned Roland Garros champion was introduced as the runner-up.
Sharapova looked stunned and then smiled after the announcer confused the Russian with Italy's Sara Errani who she had just defeated in the final 6-3, 6-2.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the runner-up Maria Sharapova," she said.
To jeers and whistles from the crowd on Philippe Chatrier court, a correction was quickly issued by the red-faced official.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the runner-up Sara Errani."
The Italian then collected her trophy from former champion Monica Seles before Maria Sharapova was called to the podium as champion to receive the winner's trophy.
Sharapova later shrugged off the confusion.
"It was funny. I actually liked Sara's reaction better when she lifted her hands. It's nice to see when a finalist is in good spirits and the way she talked and the speech," said the Russian.
"It's nice to hear words that are down to earth."