Sharapova makes return to Newport Beach

Maria Sharapova has played for the Newport Beach Breakers since she was 16.

Now 20, the Russian-born tennis superstar makes her only appearance of the season for the Breakers (3-10) in their season finale tonight at 7 against the New York Sportimes.

The Sportimes (5-8) will feature tennis legend John McEnroe in the sold-out match.

Sharapova, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, played for the Breakers from 2003-05. She is the defending U.S. Open women’s singles champion and also won Wimbledon in 2004.

When Sharapova won Wimbledon, she was the second-youngest Wimbledon champion in the Open era. This year, she made it to the Australian Open final before falling to Serena Williams.

Despite having Pete Sampras for his fourth and final match, the Breakers lost on the road Tuesday to St. Louis, 22-18. It was their fifth straight loss.

� Matt Szabo