It’s been 10 years since Maria Sharapova shocked Serena Williams in the final to win Wimbledon as a 17-year-old.
Now the Russian begins her campaign for a second title at the All England Club and having picked up the French Open title earlier this month, Sharapova has a chance to become the just the eighth woman in the Open era to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double in the same year and the first since Williams did it in 2002.
“It’s been 10 years and I’m here, still competing at a high level and still have the motivation,” said Sharapova ahead of her opener against Great Britain’s Samantha Murray.
“I certainly had that drive when I was 17 years old, and I’m proud that I still have that. [I'm] still going out and competing and loving what I do so much.”
Sharapova, seeded No5 this fortnight, has made it back into the final just once since then, in 2011, and last year she suffered a shock loss to Michelle Larcher de Brito in the second round.
“In the last couple of years my results were certainly nowhere near I would have wanted it to be. That’s something that I hope to change around this year. I’m determined to do that,” conceded Sharapova.
Williams also commences her Wimbledon 2014 today against fellow American Anna Tatishvili with her eye on an 18th Grand Slam title that would tie her in second place with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert – four behind Steffi Graf.
The world No1 was asked to reflect on the evolution of Sharapova’s game since she fell victim to her a decade ago.
Williams said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years. Not many people have a really long career like that.
“Just speaking longevity-wise, I think it’s great. You have to evolve. You can’t just play tennis and just keep hitting and hitting. You have to do things better, and I think she’s been able to do that.”
In the men’s section, world No1 Rafael Nadal will be looking to end a three-match losing streak on grass when he takes on Slovakia’s big-hitter Martin Klizan in the first round today. The Spanish No2 seed made early exits at Wimbledon the last two years.
He said: “Wimbledon is really the most dangerous tournament of the year. Here, at the start of the tournament the courts are a little bit faster. The feeling on court is a little bit strange. Especially the top players have really more pressure.”
