Sharapova wins Indian Wells tournament - page 2

Dementieva, winner of her first major title last month in Tokyo over Martina Hingis, also felt the pressure, losing serve six times in one hour, 21 minutes. She conceded that Sharapova was "able to handle the situation" and dealt better with the wind conditions.

"I usually feel sad when the tournament is finished, but not this time. I'm glad it's over because I just feel it was too much on me. I was playing so many hours on the court, and I feel just a little tired today," Dementieva said.

Sharapova declared herself finally free psychologically of the shoulder injury that has coloured her last few months on court.

Sharapova broke open the first set with three breaks of serve while losing her own service early in the second set before re- establishing superiority.

She produced 30 unforced errors to 39 for Dementieva; Sharapova had 16 winners to seven for her opponent.

"It feels great. I've worked hard and been through a tough few months with injury," said Sharapova. "But I still worked hard, believed in myself."