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Sharapova will play through pain for Open
( AP )
Updated: 2006-01-13 09:18
MELBOURNE, Australia - Now that Maria Sharapova knows what is wrong with her
sore right shoulder, she's confident she can play through the pain at next
week's Australian Open.
Maria Sharapova
answers questions during a news conference in Melbourne, Australia,
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006. [AP] | Sharapova, who won
her first Grand Slam title at age 17 in 2004 and rose to No. 1 in the rankings
for two short periods last year, traveled to Melbourne unsure if she'd be fit
enough to play in the season's first major.
After months of pain, the Russian star said doctors had identified that her
problem stemmed from a dislocated rib, not a pectoral muscle problem.
"It's not 100 percent. I wouldn't say it's at the top level. But at least I
know the cause of the problem," Sharapova said Thursday. "The good thing is, the
doctors have told me it can't get any worse.
"As long as I know I can't hurt it any more, I'm going to have to suck it up
and do the best I can."
Sharapova became the darling of the WTA Tour after her breakthrough win at
Wimbledon, as much for her model looks as for her tennis.
The Florida-based Sharapova, speaking at a pink-themed sponsor's event at a
swanky downtown hotel, said she's determined to be more than a one Grand Slam
wonder.
Sharapova was the only woman to make the semifinals at three of the four
majors last season and went down to the eventual champion at all four Grand Slam
events.
She wants to go one better at least once in 2006.
Provided second-ranked Kim Clijsters overcomes a hip problem she sustained in
Sydney on Wednesday, all of the top 10 women and defending champion Serena
Williams will be in the draw at Melbourne Park for the first time in many years.
Asked who the favorite should be, Sharapova said she didn't want to give her
rivals a boost by nominating anyone.
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