Maria Sharapova to Skip Pre-Wimbledon Tournaments
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jun 7, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Maria Sharapova will be trying a different game plan this year before heading to Wimbledon.
Instead of competing at one of the traditional warm-up events at Birmingham or Eastbourne, Sharapova will arrive at Wimbledon fresh—and without any matches on grass.
Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, has previously competed for the past five seasons at the Tier III tournament in Birmingham.
“One of Maria’s favourite times of the year is starting now and that is the grass season,” wrote a spokesperson on Maria’s official website.
“Maria will have a different schedule this year to previous years and not play her usual warm-up in Birmingham, instead she will just focus on Wimbledon.”
The women’s field at Wimbledon will be extremely competitive, even with the absence of Justine Henin.
Five former champions are expected to be in the main draw, namely Sharapova, Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Amelie Mauresmo, and last year’s winner Venus Williams.
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JimM | Jun 8, 2008 | Reply
From what we saw at RG of Sharapova I dont fancy her chances of going far at the Champioships. Maybe there is an injury as some are suggesting. Despite the “rising stars”, I still see Venus as the favourite to take (and retain) the title.
I have tickets for two days play over both weeks
So hopefully the rain will stay away and I can take lots of photos 
Andrew Broad | Jun 8, 2008 | Reply
I’m sure Maria will get her act together for Wimbledon. Her French Open campaign was blighted a combination of an untimely injury, a rain-compressed schedule, and the worst-possible fourth-round opponent she could have drawn. And now she goes from her worst surface to her best…
astrid | Jun 9, 2008 | Reply
I am sure maria will take her second titles in wimbledon. her performance in roland garros would not make any bad effect. we all know that she’s not a clay specialist. but grass is her favorite surface. I wish all the best for her at the championships. amien
Sef | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
For sure, we’ll be seeing a much different game from Sharapova now that she’s on grass. I’m rooting for her to win the title. I think it’s time to add another one… =)