Former AEGON Classic and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova returned to the scene of her first major breakthrough today as she begins her preparations for the AEGON Classic, at the Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham which begins on Monday.
It was five years ago that Sharapova, then aged only 17, arrived in Birmingham as a fledgling member of the top twenty. In the space of three weeks, she claimed her first grass court title here, before going on to her historical triumph at Wimbledon.
"I'm looking forward to playing on grass again. The AEGON Classic is a good opportunity for me to get practising ahead of Wimbledon. I have some really amazing memories of being here in Birmingham. When you play at some stadiums which have so many people, it's nice to come and play at a venue like this which is really intimate. The people here have really seen me grow up and I'm very happy to be back.
Sharapova is back ranked only 102 after nine months out with a shoulder injury. Unseeded for the first time at the AEGON Classic, she begins her campaign against Stephanie Dubois of Canada, with a potential second round clash against ninth seed, Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the USA.
"At the end of the day my ranking is only a number. It doesn't change my goal which is to focus on the plan in hand and get back to winning matches”, added Sharapova.
The Russian has also been keeping an eagle eye on the progress of Britain’s leading ladies who have been rising through the ranks recently. British number one Anne Keothavong is now ranked inside the world’s top 50, and Katie O’Brien, Mel South and Elena Baltacha are on the verge of the top 100.
"The British women are really starting to step up now. I believe the LTA are putting a lot of money into young players and their facilities, but it takes a number of years, it won't be an overnight thing. But they are definitely on the up."
There was no play in the qualifying competition today due to rain. Maria will play Stephanie Dubois of Canada in the first round.
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