Brisbane (Australia) (AFP)
Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova, disrupted in 2019 by shoulder injuries, will start 2020 at the WTA tournament in Brisbane (6-12 January) where she obtained a wildcard from the organizers.
"To be honest, I didn't see myself playing tennis at all after 30 years. But I feel that I still have a lot to give. I still have the sacred fire and I am a born competitor," said the Russian with five major titles, now 32 years old.
Maria Sharapova has not played in competition since her defeat in the first round of the US Open, against the American Serena Williams, at the end of August.
"I hope that I still have a lot of time ahead of me," added Sharapova, who intends to continue "as long as we shoulder (s) will hold out and that (s) we body (him) allow (to play ). "
"This is a new start after a difficult last season. I have experienced many ups and downs, because there were times when I was ready and then others not at all," said again. Sharapova, who fell to 133rd in the world after only 15 matches played in 2019.
After Brisbane, where she won in 2015, the Russian champion plans to line up at the Kooyong exhibition tournament to prepare for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year to begin January 20.
© 2019 AFP