Maria Sharapova is looking to end her injury-plagued season on a positive note as she prepares for the WTA Finals in Singapore.
The world No.3 has only played in one match since the Wimbledon semifinals due to a series of injuries. Following her Semifinal loss, Sharapova missed the entire US hard-court series, including the US Open, due to a leg injury. The Russian returned to action at the Wuhan Open but was forced to withdraw during her opening match against Barbora Strycova due to a forearm injury. During an interview with Channel News Asia, the 28-year-old called her setback in China a ‘roadblock’.
“I had a bit of a roadblock in China,” She said.
“But towards the end of the season, it’s no surprise that injuries come up here and there… You have to take care of your body.”
With the absence of her nemesis Serena Williams, Sharapova will be bidding to end her season on a high note at the WTA Finals in Singapore, which begins on Sunday. It will be Sharapova’s eighth appearance in the WTA Finals. She currently has a 18-10 win-loss in the event. Her best results were claiming the title in 2004 and being a two-time runner-up (2007 and 2012).
Looking ahead to the tournament, Sharapova has told Channel News Asia that she is fully healthy as she makes her last minute preparations.
“I haven’t played long, it’s not convenient, but I’m healthy now,”. She said.
“I spent the last few weeks healing up, and I came out here early to acclimatise.”
Besides preparing for the Singapore event, the 28-year-old also took some time out to play against Michael Chang on Singapore’s first floating tennis court during a promotional event. The court is located at Clifford Pier and was built by Swiss manufacturing company Tag Heuer. It measures 35 by 17 meters across and weighs up to ten cars.
