Maria Sharapova Interview: Why She Can Win Roland Garros
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Mar 28, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
© Sara Quinnett
Maria Sharapova discusses her plans to open a tennis academy in her Russian homeland, potential changes to her spring schedule because of her shoulder injury at Indian Wells, and why she can win the French Open in an interview on Wednesday at the Sony Ericsson Open.
Q. You said that in a few years you have plans to open some tennis classes.
MARIA SHARAPOVA: In Russia.
Q. Because you had to move here. Can you tell us a little bit and how that was, the experience when had to move from Russia to here to take your classes?
MARIA SHARAPOVA: One of my goals is to definitely try to open an academy back home, because that was one of the reasons I left the United States was that the conditions in Russia were not very good, especially in the winter.
There’s no real facility to train out there. There’s not many places you can go and have a day of training. It was either one or two courts at a local park, and not always could you get a court because obviously it was recreational.
So you never really had a set schedule, and I think that can help. The development of tennis is a lot better obviously right now than it was when I started because of the popularity of tennis in Russia right now.
I definitely hope that grows, and I, for sure, would like to incorporate an academy somewhere back home.
Q. You’ve won a Grand Slam on grass, you’ve won a Grand Slam on hard court: Two part question. First, depending on how your shoulder is, would you be interested in taking a wildcard at either Amelia Island or Charleston?
MARIA SHARAPOVA: Absolutely.
Q. And what is your commitment? How great is it?
MARIA SHARAPOVA: If I’m ready, and if I’ve had a good week or nine days of practice, then I would definitely consider taking those wildcards.
As far as the French Open goes, I mean, I take every Grand Slam seriously. You know, I’ve always mentioned that the French Open is always going to be the most challenging Grand Slam for me to win. But as you all know, that’s why I play the sport is because of these challenges. I have a lot of respect for the tournament. It is an incredible tradition and one that I would love to win eventually. Some time in my career, whether it’s this year or some other year.
But there is definitely a huge — I mean, last year considering I was playing with an injury and getting into the semifinals gives me the confidence that I can get further if I’m healthy. So, it’s just going to take a lot of work and patience. Which I’m getting a lot better at, and we’ll see.
Q. What is the key for you in Paris? Is it movement?
MARIA SHARAPOVA: You know, I think it also depends on the conditions of the court and the weather. Because the speed of the court and the way the court feels, it changes depending on the weather. I mean, if it’s really sunny out, the court is usually drier so the ball goes faster through the air.
I think you also have to be prepared mentally for that. To be able to change and adapt to the conditions, you know. When it’s raining, everything seems a lot heavier and the ball is heavier, and there’s a lot longer, lot more longer points, not as many free points as well. So it’s just much harder work.
Q. Steffi won the French Open with a pretty flat forehand and a pretty flat backhand. Can you win the French Open with pretty flat shots both sides?
MARIA SHARAPOVA: I don’t see why not, yeah.
The entire interview can be found at ASAP Sports.
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Will.I.AM | Mar 29, 2008 | Reply
I totally agree with maria! She can win the french! Her only obstacle is Justine, who hasn’t played well all year. She will eventually win it.
pov | Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
I’d like to see Sharapova expand her game some. It can be “risky” introducing new twists, yet I think she can pull it off.
And it looks like Henin might be back on her game.