January 01, 2011
The glamour girl of world tennis is all business here in New Zealand.
Maria Sharapova has spoken to the media for the first time since arriving for next week's ASB Classic, and the Russian megastar's focussed on starting the year in style.
She showed off her sense of humour, but is serious about her reasons for being in Auckland.
Brushing the lucrative exhibition matches she usually starts her season with, Sharapova's on our shores to be tested.
"My last tournament was over two months ago, I've been really eager to get back and play a tournament," she says. "I wanted to change it up this year, it's my first time in New Zealand."
Unlike previous headliners who have come to the classic as glorified tourists, the top seed's on-court dedication means no room for sight-seeing.
"I haven't done too much else, my priority since I got here was really adjust to not only the time but also the conditions, spend some time on court, having a couple of practices a day."
Still yet to hit her best since a shoulder injury in 2009, the 23-year-old has her sights on once again returning to the top.
"I would love to - I think if I was able to win a grand slam after my injury it would be the greatest achievement in my career."
But the former world number one's ambitions for the rest of the day weren't quite as lofty.
"To be honest, in about 30 minutes, I'm going to be back in my room, probably in my pyjamas taking a nap."
Sharapova will start her classic campaign against Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro.
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