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I always look forward to Wimbledon starting’ - Sharapova
Russia’s tennis queen Maria Sharapova looks to build on her recent Paris success at Wimbledon, claiming that transition from clay to grass has never been a problem for her.
The new number one of women's tennis, Maria Sharapova, will face Anastasia Rodionova of Australia in the first round at Wimbledon. That draw means Sharapova cannot meet second-seed Victoria Azarenka or four-time champion Serena Williams until the final.
Defending champion Petra Kvitova was paired with Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan, while Russia's Vera Zvonareva , who's the 12 seed, faces Mona Barthel from Germany in her first match.
As for the men, Russia's Nikolay Davydenko had a tough first round tie against fourth-seed Brit Andy Murray. Defending champion Novak Djokovic plays Juan Carlos Ferrero and could face roger Federer in the semis.
The Swiss master has a first round tie against Spain's Albert Ramos, while number two seed Rafael Nadal will face Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci.
Before the draw, the traditional pre-Wimbledon party was held in central London – a chance for the stars to show off their frocks. Sharapova was all smiles after winning the French Open, and always happy to be back at Wimbledon, where she won her first grand slam aged just 17.
“Such a memorable moment,” she said about winning the French Open and completing the career Grand Slam.
“But there is always something new around the corner and, you know, it is Wimbledon, just two weeks after the finals of the French Open. So, you enjoy that moment of victory for a few days and then you kind of click you mindset to something new, a new challenge,” she went on to say.
“And for me, that transition from clay to grass is always a fun one. I always love it. The first few days of practice are always fun and challenging. But I always have really nice memories. So I always look forward to Wimbledon starting."
Saturday 23-06-2012
