Sharapova eyes third Stuttgart title

Former world number one to face Safarova in campaign opener

STUTTGART: Maria Sharapova opens her claycourt season in Germany this week where she hopes to claim a hat-trick of Stuttgart titles and her 30th WTA career trophy.

The defending champion is unbeaten at the indoor tournament having won both the 2012 and 2013 crowns on her two previous appearances.

"I've competed here for the last two years and won both times, so I have only positive memories," said Sharapova. "I don't want to miss out on this experience."

Sharapova, who turned 27 on Saturday, enjoyed her last title in the 2013 final when she beat China's Li Na with a commanding display before losing in straight sets to Serena Williams in the French Open final.

World number one Serena, who enjoyed her 15th straight win over Sharapova in the Miami semi-finals last month, is absent from Stuttgart, but seven of the world's top 10 will be battling it out to reach next Sunday's final.

"I am a person who loves the challenges and I don't go out of my way to avoid anyone," said Sharapova when asked if she was glad not to face Serena in Stuttgart.

"Serena has been playing her most successful tennis in recent years and my aim must be to learn from the defeats against her and work to get to her level."

‘It’s hard for me to look at world rankings’

Injury to her right shoulder means Sharapova has dropped to ninth in the world rankings. But the Russian believes it is not an issue with her.

"At the moment, it's a little hard for me to look at the world rankings, but it's not a problem," she insisted.

"Because of my success at grand slams, I expect a lot of myself, but I have to be realistic and after an injury like that, you need time to get back to your best.”

Sixth-seed Sharapova will face the Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova in the first round in Stuttgart.

She has a 3-1 lead in her series against the 27-year-old with her most recent win coming in the third round at Miami.