Published: 13 June, 2007, 03:48
Edited: 13 June, 2007, 03:48
Maria Sharapova starts her campaign on the Birmingham courts on Wednesday. The world number two will be hoping to bounce back from her disappointing semi-final loss to Ana Ivanovic at the French Open.
But Maria Sharapova should regain her confidence with the thought of Wimbledon just around the corner where she won her first Grand Slam at the age of 17.
“It is always great – coming back and seeing the same people, and playing on the same courts. For the fifth year in a row I really can’t quite believe that it have been five years. But it has and I always look forward to this time of year and playing on grass because it is really where my success started. I feel like I’m prepared and I’ve got a lot of matches, so I am looking forward to it,” said Maria Sharapova, 2004 Wimbledon Champion.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday it has been a busy day for the Russian contingent in Birmingham.
Vasilisa Bardina was out losing to British Naomi Cavaday in straight sets.
Elena Likhovtseva and Maria Kirilenko are through to the next stage.