Onward, Wimbledon
With a set of Grand Slam titles, Maria Sharapova set for new challenge,
WIMBLEDON, England — With a French Open title and a complete set of Grand Slam tournament titles in pocket, Maria Sharapova hopes to add a different plot to her resurgent career.
“Obviously when I was coming to the French for the last three years, it’s been the one that I hadn’t won, so that was sort of the story line,” topranked Sharapova told news reporters at Wimbledon. “Maybe there will be a new one now. It would be a nice change.”
She beat Italy’s Sara Errani two weeks ago to earn her first title in Paris.
Winning in Paris and Wimbledon back-to-back would be a new twist for the 25-year-old Russian. No woman has managed the quick surface switch and won both majors since Serena Williams in 2002.
Sharapova might well have to go through sixth-seeded Williams to do it, as she did eight years ago when she stunned the American in the Wimbledon final as a 17-year-old.
Williams lost in the first round in Paris to 111th-ranked Virginie Razzano of France — her first defeat in the opening round of a major in 47 appearances.
But nothing suits the American’s technically sound serve and power strokes like the grass in London, where Williams will be seeking a fifth title and 14th overall major.
“Whether I had won in Paris or lost like I did in the first round, I am always extremely motivated,” said Williams, 30. “If anything, I think losing makes me even more motivated.”
Sharapova’s victory in Paris was the fourth Grand Slam title and first since surgery on her right (serving) shoulder in October 2008. She reached the Wimbledon final in 2011, losing to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic. “It was definitely a big step for me in the right direction,” Sharapova said of last year’s runner-up finish.
Sharapova opens today on Centre Court against No. 133 Anastasia Rodionova and would not face Williams until the final. Williams kicks off her campaign against Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic.