(Sports Network) - Russian Maria Sharapova beat seventh-seeded Jelena Jankovic via retirement to capture Saturday's final at the $2 million Pan Pacific Open.

Sharapova was ahead 5-2 in the first set when the Serbian called it quits due to a right wrist injury. Sharapova also won this event in 2005.

"It was a tough start today. Jelena started off so strong. It was my second final of the year and I was a bit nervous," said Sharapova, who lost the first two games of the set. "But I played well enough this week to know I could give her a good match. I just wanted to keep fighting out there and unfortunately Jelena had to stop. I wish her a speedy recovery, and hopefully we can play in the final here next year."

The victory gave Sharapova her first title this year. Sharapova, who returned to tennis in May after a 10-month layoff because of a shoulder injury, lost at Toronto in her only other final this season.

The Russian captured her first title since Amelia Island in April 2008. She improved to 20-8 lifetime in title matches.

"I want to thank all of the fans for coming out here and supporting me, it meant a lot to me," Sharapova added. "To go from not knowing whether you'll ever play the sport again to holding a trophy, it's an unbelievable feeling. You realize what a gift it is to hit a tennis ball. I've put in so much work and this is just really exciting."

Jankovic was trying for her third title of the season. She had won earlier this year at Marbella and Cincinnati. She dropped to 11-11 lifetime in finals.

Sharapova now leads the all-time series with Jankovic, 5-1. The Russian also holds a 2-1 record in title matches between these two former top-ranked players.

Sharapova collected $350,000 with the win.





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