Russian press won over by Sharapova

Russian newspapers on Monday sung the praises of Maria Sharapova for winning her third Grand Slam title on Saturday at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"Keep it going!" headlined the front page of the country's oldest sports daily Soviet Sport as it reported on the year's opening Grand Slam event.

The newspaper also expressed the hope that Sharapova would make a winning start to her Fed Cup debut for title-holders Russia away to Israel in Tel Aviv later this week.

Another daily newspaper, Sport Express, called Sharapova the pride of the Russian nation adding that she would be a good bet to win Olympic gold in Beijing in August if selected.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent his congratulations to Sharapova after her win at Melbourne wishing the player further successes in the future.

The 20-year-old US-based glamour girl of tennis defeated Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 7-5, 6-3 in Melbourne to add the Australian Open to her 2004 Wimbledon and 2006 US Open crowns.

Playing in the Fed Cup will make Sharapova eligible to take part in the Beijing Olympics despite opposition from other Russian players who question her patriotism.