Maria Sharapova, at 18-years-old, has lost her Wimbledon crown, but she has vowed to be back better and stronger than before. The Russian's love affair with grasscourts came to an abrupt end at the hands of Venus Williams who won their semi-final clash 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 in the gathering Centre Court gloom on Thursday.
It brought to an end a tremendous 22-match unbeaten streak on the surface which took in back-to-back titles at Birmingham and last year's stunning title triumph over Williams' younger sister Serena.
But it will have done little to dull the glitter that has catapulted the statuesque blond to super stardom in the space of the last 12 months.