Sharapova Is Rusty But Ready

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 13th January 2013

Sharapova Is Rusty But Ready

epa03532959 Russian player Maria Sharapova serves during a practice session at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 13 January 2013. The first round of the Australian Open kicks off on January 14th. EPA/Dennis Sabangan |

Maria Sharapova spent a worried Christmas as she woke up a few days before the holiday with collarbone plain which will delay her competitive start to 2013 as she plays her first match of the season at the Australian Open.

The losing finalist to Victoria Azarenka a year ago at Melbourne Park remains confident that even without any competitive play, here game will be ready to face fellow Russian Olga Puchkova in the first round as the opening showcourt match of the tennis fortnight.

Sharapova’s minor niggle forced her out of the Brisbane event at the start of the year, sending the second seed to Melbourne early for training. “I’m feeling really good. Obviously, I would have loved to have gone into Brisbane and play that,” said the biggest earner in women’s sport. “I wish I would have had maybe two, three extra days to be able to practise some more overhead stuff and serve.

“I came here a little bit earlier than obviously I would have wanted to. I’ve been able to get a lot of good practise in, playing on centre court, be in Melbourne for a little bit.

“Christmas Eve I had to do like a few tests, machines, MRI. I just wanted to make sure that I really took care of that. I would have loved to come in with a few matches. But sometimes circumstances don’t allow that, and that’s okay.

“I’d rather be going onto the court knowing that I’m healthy. I might be a little bit rusty, but I’ll work my way through it. I’m experienced enough to know the adjustments I have to make in those types of circumstances.”