MARIA’S BACK, TOUGHER THAN EVER
BRING it on – the tougher, the better.
Characteristically immune to the sling and arrows that have shadowed her rollercoaster career, Maria Sharapova yesterday outlined her path to Australian Open glory.
Steeled by a 15-month doping ban, Sharapova enjoyed an untroubled 6-1 6-4 victory over German Tatjana Maria, before saying she expected no favours – nor wanted them.
“Every draw is different and has its own challenges, and people are saying I have a tough draw,” the 2008 champion said.
“Personally, these are the players I want to be playing. I want to be playing someone that has challenged me. I want to be playing someone that’s on a hot streak and playing well. These are the players I should be playing and beating, as well.
“I expect that from myself. I feel like with every tournament and every week I have different feelings about different things. Some things are coming a little slower than I wanted, some things I feel good about. Still feel like I’m building physically and getting the match play in.
“Overall, I’m motivated to, with every week, to keep taking in what I have learnt from that week and using it to my advantage in the following tournament.