Maria Sharapova Begins Her Preparation for Australian Open

After Maria Sharapova’s retirement from the Shenzhen Open quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka due to a thigh injury, she flies to Australia and prepares herself for the upcoming major tournament. She has begun with her practice session on the Rod Laver Arena. In quarterfinal match in China, she endeavoured to make movements on the court. She also spoke about her attachment with the Chinese courts and audience. Sharapova was treated in between the sets, but however, she was compelled to withdraw from the tournament due to the hindrances in her movements.

“The season is still very long, I need to maintain a positive attitude! Health has always been my priority. In my career, there has always been a huge mystery that I need to crack”, said Sharapova. “I have some of the best fans in China and they call themselves Shara Family in China. There’s quite a few of them that I was able to see them all around the world. I am very thankful for their support, definitely. I couldn’t finish the match, I felt my legs for a couple of days and one particular point I felt a burn and decided that I have no choice but to reevaluate it. Obviously, it is very rare that I withdraw so I will do my best with the recovery. I certainly love coming back here that is why I came back for the second time. I love playing in front of my fans, I love the audience. That’s why I love coming back here”.

The 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova looks forward to playing tennis at her apex level in Melbourne, simultaneously she prioritises her health in all circumstances. Last year, she lost to Angelique Kerber in the third round and she reached the quarterfinal at the 2018 Roland Garros and lost to Muguruza. Her previous title was achieved in Tianjin in 2017 after her 15-month ban from tennis. The WTA Finals champion, Elina Svitolina greeted the ballkid squad to Melbourne Park and David Goffin was seen practising on the Margaret Court Arena.