Sharapova and Williams will face off for the first time at Wimbledon since the Russian scored a shock victory over Serena in the 2004 final here. Then just 17-years-old with little experience, Sharapova created one of the biggest shocks in Wimbledon history by ending Serena’s two-year run as women’s champion with a stunning 6-1, 6-4 win.
“That’s what I thrive on,” said Sharapova. “I love going on the court and playing someone that’s obviously the favourite to win the match. I absolutely love it. She’s the defending champion, she’s great on this surface. If there’s a challenge ahead of you, it’s definitely playing her, and I enjoy that.
Worryingly for Sharapova, there is no chance of Serena underestimating the Russian.
“I definitely have to pick up and play better. You always have to be ready. She’s obviously really good, especially on grass. It’s obviously really intense [against Sharapova]. I think she really knows my game. I think she really studies it.
“I pretty much know her game. So I don’t think much has changed. We know each other. It’s a great matchup. It’s always good to see someone that’s a champion out on the court.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2010.
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