Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin crashed out in the first round of the Madrid Open yesterday. Sharapova, who hadn't played since losing to China's Zheng Jie at Indian Wells, was defeated by Lucie Safarova 6-4, 6-3, and Justine Henin lost to Aravane Rezai 4-6, 7-5, 6-0.

"I started slowly. I got myself back in it and had the window, but just didn't take it," Sharapova said. "I can't look back and think of losing though, I can only learn from it and move forward. I need matches to get my instincts back. It was only a few points here and there today that could have turned things around."

"She was injured after Indian Wells and I knew it was her first tournament on clay," Safarova said. "I thought it would be a tough match but I've done really well the last few weeks, so I was really looking forward to it."



Henin said she had not fully recovered after suffering from a cold and mild flu since winning the title in Stuttgart, her first title since coming out of retirement.


"I wasn't feeling my best today. I was ill after Stuttgart. I didn't have the energy I needed," Henin said. "Aravane was playing at a very good level though. It wasn't an easy day for me. I really wanted to win this tournament."

"I was preparing to play against her. I had the right tactics and fought as hard as I could," Rezai said. "I knew I could win. It wasn't Mission Impossible. She's a great player, but I went on the court quite positive and just played my game."

Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin out of Madrid Open