Olympic target for Sharapova

Maria Sharapova set her sights on an Olympic gold medal after winning the Australian Open.

The Russian claimed the third major title of her career when by beating Ana Ivanovic in straight sets in Melbourne.

She only needs to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, but Sharapova has set her sights on winning a gold medal in Beijing.

She said: "I think because I already have a Wimbledon title, I'd take the Olympic gold medal but if it was any other tournament, I would say Wimbledon."

Sharapova left Russia as a child to play tennis at the Nick Bollettieri academy in Florida.

Sharapova has yet to represent Russia in the Fed Cup but she has been selected to play in a World Group tie in Israel next month and admits she has dreamt of playing at the Olympics.

She added: "I think for tennis players it's just incredible to be a part of it.

"I'm very much looking forward to the opening ceremony and that's one of the things I was always watching on TV because my parents used to allow me to stay up late to watch the opening ceremonies.

"I'd wait until Russia would come out but they would always be near last because of the alphabetical order and that would kill me because it would be about 1am in the morning.

"But then I'd put my white hat on because that is what they were wearing and walk around the house, so that is something that I'm very much looking forward to."

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