Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Top spot fixation? No; Eager to beat Serena? Yes!

February 23, 2015 10:49 IST

Sharapova less fixated on top spot but eager to beat Serena

‘Serena is definitely an opponent that I have had a lot of trouble playing against and someone that I would love to beat’

Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova enjoys her free time in Acapulco while in town for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel Tennis Tournament. Photograph: Steve Jennings/Getty Images for Leisure Opportunities

Regaining the world's top ranking in women's tennis is less important to five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova than it was when she was younger, but the Russian is eager to beat dominant player Serena Williams.

Foiled again, Sharapova feels Serena breakthrough closer

Williams beat Sharapova, who is ranked number two, to claim her 19th Grand Slam singles title in the Australian Open final last month.

Sharapova, who first earned the top spot as an 18-year-old in 2005, has not beaten Williams since 2004.

"I wouldn't say it's as much of a priority as when I was younger," Sharapova said on Sunday in a telephone interview from the resort town of Acapulco ahead of the annual Mexico Open.

Martina Navratilova poses with Serena Williams of the United States holds the Daphne Akhurst   Memorial Cup and Maria Sharapova of Russia

Martina Navratilova poses with Serena Williams of the United States holds the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and Maria Sharapova of Russia holds the runner up plate after their women's final match of the 2015 Australian Open. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

"She is definitely an opponent that I have had a lot of trouble playing against in the last 10 years and someone that I would love to beat," She said.

"I love facing her and I love that challenge. I'm definitely not shy of competing against her."

Sharapova, who will be playing in the Mexico Open for the first time, is the favorite to win against Italian Sara Errani, ranked 16th and America's 20th ranked Madison Keys in this week's matches in Acapulco.

"It's quite a tough deal. There are a lot of girls that have had big wins, even some that are not seeded, so I look forward to tough competition and of course being the number one seed," Sharapova said. 

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.