Maria Sharapova is ever hungry for the world number one spot - Tennis Special
Russian tennis legend, Maria Sharapova, is commonly known as the Wimbledon favourite. She is the 10th woman to win four Grand Slams in her career. Recently, the Russian beauty was crowned the French Open title for the first time in her career, securing 6-2 and 6-3 win.
The 25-year-old nests at the world number three rank at the present but desperately needs to break the thick ice at the London Olympics and take the gold medal home. Currently, she seems to have excellent health and is also looking ahead to put a high-quality show at London 2012 by beating her top rivals.
Riding a sublime form in the current professional season, the Russian beauty needs to secure the upcoming tournaments to improve her rankings. It is almost mandatory for the Russian to keep up with her fellow citizens’ expectations. President Vladimir Putin also commended her game and said: “You have reached the peak which was conquered earlier only by the world's strongest and legendary tennis players – the winning of all four Grand Slam events. This is a deserved award for your talent and outstanding work”.
The Wimbledon champion could never top the world chart from the year 2007 to 2012, as her performance dropped considerably due to health issues. She suffered a serious shoulder injury but has since been able to overcome the hard times with determination.
The biggest threat to the Russian is the former US Open Champion, Serene Williams. According to many, Williams is the rightful candidate for the gold at the upcoming London Olympics. She is the only mainstream competitor from whom Sharapova needs to be cautious. Previously, the American posted an astounding victory of 6-1, 6-3, thrashing Sharapova in the Madrid Open voyage.
Williams claims to be in full form after the Wimbledon championship and aims to secure her lost glory. Though having accomplished so much, she has not inculcated the temptation to take it effortless. Her hunger to be on the number one spot is transcending.
"I'm always 'to the next one'," Williams said. "It's always about trying for another one. Every tournament that I go into, I go in trying to win it, so that's the way I go. I'm like a fine wine, I get better with age. I want to keep doing more, I want to keep playing well. I don't think about any legacy at all - I'm definitely going to be playing for many more years to come."
Sharapova’s next challenge is the world number one, Victoria Azarenka. For the past three years, the two have met each other five times in various championships, with Azarenka owning a 5-4 advantage over the Russian.
There is also a greater probability that the two will encounter each other in the finals of the Olympics. However, Sharapova must comprehend that beating the world number 1 is not a simple job.
Irrespective of the odds, Sharapova exhibited a marvellous performance by winning successive competitions. Her victory at the French open can result in giving her psychological boost over the American veteran, Williams.
It is certain that she can surely secure the victory with self-assurance. It is more of a do-or-die situation for the young Russian, the latter might result in a subdued enthusiast for the player in the future.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: