Golden Slam Could Beckon for Sharapova
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Mar 15, 2008 | Print |
Riding a fifteen-match win streak, Maria Sharapova has her eyes on one of the biggest wins of her career, a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.
It would be more than just another prize in her trophy case, or an honorable win for her country. For Sharapova, it would be the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
Speaking from the Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells just after winning her opening match against Stephanie Cohen-Aloro on Friday, Sharapova revealed she has been looking forward to competing at the Olympics for many years.
“It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl,” Sharapova said. “So it’s been one of my priorities for a very long time.”
Playing in an Olympic environment will be a whole new experience for the twenty year-old Russian.
“I think this will be just completely new and different, and usually you have sort of an idea of what things are going to be like, but I’m really clueless,” confessed Sharapova.
“One of the things I’m really looking forward to is the opening ceremony and walking with all the athletes, and athletes from my country in front of thousands of people.”
Sharapova did not participate at the last Olympics in Athens, held only weeks after she won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2004.
Because of her 2008 Australian Open title and fact that the Olympics are held this season, Sharapova has an outside chance of accomplishing the Golden Slam. The last woman to manage this feat was Steffi Graf in 1988.
Although she acknowledges that a Golden Slam remains a possibility, Sharapova is realistic about her chances.
“I’m far away from that,” said the three-time major champion. “I’ve only won one Grand Slam this year and I’ve got many more tournaments, three more Grand Slams, and the Olympics to go.”
“But you never know what will happen. It will be great if I can, but realistically it’s pretty difficult.”
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Louise | Mar 15, 2008 | Reply
Yeah i really doubt it, Sharapova and clay don’t mix
Richard | Mar 15, 2008 | Reply
They mix well enough for an injured, mind you, INJURED Sharapova to reach the final four of Roland Garros. A healthy Sharapova would mean at least a finals appearance.
Steve Pouliot | Mar 15, 2008 | Reply
Good responce Richard, though I can’t see anyone to beat her in the final.
Suzy | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
A healthy Justine might just beat in the final simply by varying her game…after all this is clay… and maybe this time Ana Ivanovic might actually ’show up’ to play her as well.
Lance | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
I also doubt that Maria could win French Open. Maria and clay really don’t mix well. With her height, she could lost balance easily. Yes, she did reached the final four but eventually stumbled out of it. And when Justine finally gets her mind back into the game, I bet this would be a fifth Roland Garros for her (only if she is back to her performance).
pov | Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
“With her height, she could lost balance easily.”
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I’m puzzled and amused by the stuff that is sometimes said about Sharapova’s height. This one “lose balance” is the most hilarious take I’ve seen yet.
Frankly I think it’s ludicrous.
First,in general, taller people have just as much coordination, balance or agility as anyone else. Have you watched any basketball lately?
Second, I’ve never seen any height comments made about any other WTA player. Just off the cuff - Venus Williams(6′1″), Lindsay Davenport(who at 6′2.5″ is taller than Sharapova), Ana Ivanovic(6″1′), Nicole Vaidisova(6′), etc
And wait, ATP players taller than 6′ - now there’s a novel concept.
Sharapova may or may not win the FO but if she doesn’t it won’t be due to her height.
NIck | Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
I don’t see Sharapova winning all four slams, or even another one this year if Serena and Justine are on their games, and even Venus.
Sharapova played great in Aussie but can she keep that up and outplay the fab three? I don’t see that happening. It would be great for someone to win all four slams but she’ll run out of air if she has to play them two matches in a row.
I do think this should be a mix year for the players though and don’t think Henin will lose the number 1 though.