Sharapova: 'I'm stronger now'

Maria Sharapova may have won a Wimbledon title and held the world number one ranking, but she will bound into the new grass-court season next week convinced the world has yet to see the best of her.

The Russian 19-year-old is hoping to put a problematic recent ankle injury behind her and warm up for the All England Club by claiming a hat-trick of titles at the DFS Classic in Edgbaston.

And while some pain still lingers after a gruelling fight through to the fourth round of the French Open last week, Sharapova insists the mere sight of a grass-court again will help her recovery no end.

Sharapova said: "It is very exciting to be back because it is my favourite time of the year when I am playing on grass and usually all my injuries go away when I am playing on this court.

"I feel I have incorporated a lot of new things into my game and physically I am a lot stronger than I was a year ago. I feel like I am improving with every match.

"I realise I am not at the peak of my career at this point and it doesn't happen overnight but it is something I am looking forward to building every day. I know it is not going to be easy."

Sharapova will head to Wimbledon in a fortnight's time still searching for that elusive second Grand Slam title after her unexpected triumph as a 17-year-old in 2004.

Then Sharapova's talent and personality propelled her to overnight superstardom and a series of lucrative endorsements followed making her reportedly the richest sportswoman in the world.

Sharapova insists she remains solely focused on tennis for the time being - but understands the dilemma of the Williams sisters, whose eager pursuit of other interests has seen them slide down the world rankings.

She added: "If I was in that position of having won so many Grand Slams I don't think there would be anything wrong with trying new things in life.

"It is great they have got so many opportunities that tennis has brought them and I see no reason why they cannot exploit them.

"Maybe I will after I have won eight Grand Slams but for now I think I need to achieve a little bit more."