Sharapova hungry for Wimbledon glory

Maria Sharapova is hungrier than ever and convinced she can reclaim her Wimbledon crown next month.

It is four years since the Russian pin-up burst on to the scene as a complete unknown with a fourth-round appearance at the All England Club, followed 12 months later by victory over Serena Williams in the final.

The 20-year-old world number two and US Open champion is back in Birmingham this week, where her love affair with the grasscourts was spawned, and has her sights firmly set on a third grand slam title.

“I’ve done it before so I can do it again,” she said. “Grass definitely suits my game. I think in any grand slam I have a chance – I’ve been to the final of the Australian Open and just got to the semi-finals of the French – but everywhere you feel comfortable is obviously where you feel you can do well.

“I did it three years ago when I was this little skinny girl the size of spaghetti, so I definitely can do it now. I still have a few years to physically mature but I’m definitely stronger than I was a year ago.”

Sharapova’s chances of improving on last year’s semi-final appearance could hinge on her recovery from a shoulder injury which forced her on to the sidelines earlier this year.

Making the last four of the French Open, on her least favourite, claycourt surface, was an encouraging sign and Sharapova insists the enforced lay-off served only to increase her hunger for more success.

“Being away from the game for almost two months, I was definitely ready to get back and compete,” she said.

“The competition is why I play tennis and that’s what I miss. You can only practise for so long. There is nothing like being on centre court.”

Sharapova has a bye into tomorrow’s second round of the DFS Classic, where she will play American qualifier Lilia Osterloh.

In the first shock of the tournament, 14th seed Michaella Krajicek, sister of former Wimbledon men’s champion Richard, was beaten 7-6 6-4 by Ukraine’s Juliana Fedak, who is 96 places below her in the world rankings.

Other seeded players, Russian Maria Kirilenko, Eleni Daniilidou of Greece, Ukraine’s Julia Vakulenko and American Meilen Tu safely made it past the first hurdle with straight-set wins.