Sharapova makes title defence return
Monday, 30 July 2007
CARLSBAD, Jul 29 (AFP): Defending champion Maria Sharapova makes her first appearance since Wimbledon at the San Diego Classic this week as she once again tests her long-standing shoulder injury.
The world number two, who beat Kim Clijsters in the 2006 final to capture the hardcourt title here, has been dogged by the injury problem since the spring.
But a pain-killing injection has helped her to the French Open semi- finals and a Wimbledon fourth-round loss to Venus Williams.
Following the wet fortnight at the All England Club, the 20-year- old Russian underwent a precautionary scan and controversially pulled out of Russia's Fed Cup semi-final win over the United States.
Despite failing to win a trophy so far this season, and with her US Open title defence approaching, Sharapova is unworried. "I'm 20 years old, I've won two Grand Slams. I've been number one in the world," she said.
"I've got plenty more years to either win matches or find confidence", she added.
Serb Jelena Jankovic, who won a surprise Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Jamie Murray, has played just one Fed Cup rubber indoors since the All England Club. She will get back on cement for the first time since March in Miami.
The world number two, who beat Kim Clijsters in the 2006 final to capture the hardcourt title here, has been dogged by the injury problem since the spring.
But a pain-killing injection has helped her to the French Open semi- finals and a Wimbledon fourth-round loss to Venus Williams.
Following the wet fortnight at the All England Club, the 20-year- old Russian underwent a precautionary scan and controversially pulled out of Russia's Fed Cup semi-final win over the United States.
Despite failing to win a trophy so far this season, and with her US Open title defence approaching, Sharapova is unworried. "I'm 20 years old, I've won two Grand Slams. I've been number one in the world," she said.
"I've got plenty more years to either win matches or find confidence", she added.
Serb Jelena Jankovic, who won a surprise Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Jamie Murray, has played just one Fed Cup rubber indoors since the All England Club. She will get back on cement for the first time since March in Miami.