Maria Sharapova preparing for Wimbledon 2011
Former world number 1 Maria Sharapova is looking forward to Wimbledon 2011 as she participates in the AEGON Classic in Birmingham, a WTA Tour grass-court tournament.
Maria Sharapova has an impressive record at the tournament. She won the title back in 2004 and 2005 and finished as a runner-up in 2007 and 2010. Her appearance at the event could provide her an excellent platform to get back into form ahead of Wimbledon
2011, the only grass-court grand slam.
Sharapova on her official website said, “I'm excited to be playing at the AEGON Classic once again. It's one of my favourite pre-slam tournaments and I can't wait to get back out on the grass courts at the Priory Club.”
She has a reputation of being a fan-favourite in Birmingham as she always gets a lot of support from the crowd.
“I always get such a warm welcome in Birmingham at the event and from the people in the city so I always enjoy going back and I look forward to returning there in June,” she said.
The Russian created history at Wimbledon in 2004 when she became the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam, defeating defending champion Serena Williams. Her win was hailed as the most stunning performance of all times. Then at Wimbledon 2005, she
reached the semi-final without dropping a set, but fell out to eventual champion Venus Williams. She was a semi-finalist again in 2006 but her run was ended by the French Amelie Mauresmo.
Since then, the tall Russian has not gone past the fourth round. Her most recent appearance at Wimbledon 2010 also ended in a fourth round exit at the hands of Serena Williams. Sharapova last won a grand slam in Melbourne Park when she won the Australian
Open in 2008.
Sharapova, who pulled out of Dubai Duty Free Championships 2011 due to an ear infection, is eyeing a strong comeback to the international arena. Her continuous failures due to health and injury related issues have disappointed her fans and she would be eager
to change that as soon as possible.
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