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Maria Sharapova, the roundly beaten finalist of the 2012 Australian Open, has suffered a second defeat... rather too soon, certainly, for the glamorous Russian's liking.

Sharapova, the top seed at the Open GDF Suez in Paris, was beaten by Angelique Kerber of Germany (the No. 9 seed), in straight sets - 4-6, 4-6.

The loss came despite the Russian breaking first in both sets.

"It was a hard day. She played extremely well," Sharapova told reporters. She, however, is not about to lose confidence: "You also have to be realistic. Sometimes you have a day that isn't a good day. You have to move on and learn from your mistakes."

The latest WTA rankings, to be released on Monday, are expected to allow Sharapova to retain her World No. 2 position.

Meanwhile, the athletic, bold and beautiful Russian diva... long admired as being one of the most fetching young women on the tour... seems to get better looking with each passing day!

Check out a slideshow of some of her more glamorous off-court moments...