Wimbledon finalist Maria Sharapova has a huge advantage heading into Saturday's title match with Serena Williams because she is so inexperienced, according to three-times men's champion John McEnroe.
"Maria Sharapova is unbelievable. At 17-years-old, she has no recollection of any past breakdowns, so she just goes out and plays every point so hard," the American said.
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"And with Serena not quite at the top of her game, Sharapova will go into the final thinking she has a real chance."
McEnroe said he had not realised quite what a talent the Siberian was until he saw her beat former champion Lindsay Davenport in the semi finals on Thursday.
"Sharapova seems to learn with each set in every match she plays. I had seen her before but did not realise how good she really is. She plays so hard," he told the BBC.
Former women's world number one Tracy Austin added: "Her victory over Lindsay Davenport was all the more meaningful because she had to come back from one set down to do it.
"She was down and out against a former champion but dug her heels in and showed great guts.
"Maria just came back playing incredible tennis.
"So all credit to the Russian -- she never gave up ... she is a great addition to the women's tour."
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