Sharapova fit for Wimbledon

Updated 10.24 Fri Jun 22 2007
Keywords: Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, tennis, sport

Reigning US Open champion Maria Sharapova is confident that she is over her injury problems as she prepares to win Wimbledon for the second time.

The 20-year-old Russian has suffered hamstring and shoulder problems this year but believes she is in good shape for the grasscourt Grand Slam tournament having reached the final of last week's DFS Classic in Birmingham.

"I am just happy to be back on the court and coming back to Wimbledon, with so many memories, it is always great to be here, and I am excited about it, as always" - Maria Sharapova

The world number two said: "It (the shoulder) will be under observation for the next few weeks, but that is all part of a tennis player's life.

"I have been playing matches for the last few weeks, and that is great because I was out for so long with injury.

"I played a great week at Birmingham, where I played a lot of matches. I am just happy to be back on the court and coming back to Wimbledon, with so many memories, it is always great to be here, and I am excited about it, as always."

Sharapova has been seeded second for Wimbledon behind last year's beaten finalist Justine Henin, who is in high spirits having just sealed a hat-trick of French Open titles and will be eager to end Amelie Mauresmo's reign.

Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam tournament title to elude Henin to date but the Belgian is determined to put that right when play begins at the All England Club on Monday.

She said: "It is still a dream for me - but not an obsession. All I can do is make sure I reach my best level for it after a long season on clay, which is my favourite surface."

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