Sharapova targets hat-trick of Stuttgart titles
Monday, 21 April 2014
STUTTGART, Germany, Apr 20 (AFP): Maria Sharapova opens her claycourt season in Germany this week where she hopes to claim a hat-trick of Stuttgart titles and her 30th WTA career trophy.
The defending champion is unbeaten at the indoor tournament having won both the 2012 and 2013 crowns on her two previous appearances.
"I've competed here for the last two years and won both times, so I have only positive memories," Sharapova told the Stuttgarter Nachrichten.
"I don't want to miss out on an experience like this."
Sharapova, who turned 27 Saturday, enjoyed her last title in the 2013 final when she beat China's Li Na with a commanding display before losing in straight sets to Serena Williams in the French Open final.
World number one Williams, who enjoyed her 15th straight win over Sharapova in the Miami semi-finals last month, is absent from Stuttgart, but seven of the world's top 10 will be battling it out to reach next Sunday's final.
"I am a person who loves the challenges and I don't go out of my way to avoid anyone," said Sharapova when asked if she was glad not to face Williams in Stuttgart.
"Serena has been playing her most successful tennis in recent years and my aim must be to learn from the defeats against her and work to get to her level."