TENNIS WTA Stuttgart – M. Sharapova d S. Errani 6-1, 6-2. An interview with Maria Sharapova
That might be the best match of the week?
Yes, I had a really long and tough start into the tournament. So, I’m actually happy that I was able to finish in about an hour today. So, it saved some time for me.
It seems the game of Sara Errani suits you? You like to play her?
I think she’s capable of playing really good tennis and I want to try to take away that time that she likes to have on the court. And I think from the first point I did a really good job with being aggressive and not really giving her the chance to run down many balls, you know, I was moving forward, playing, moving her around pretty well.
You almost had no unforced errors. You first serve was great. Your game was perfect today?
I think every match is a different opponent and different challenge. They all have very different games and you have to adapt. But in the end you still have to focus on yourself. And as the tournament goes on you have to face deeper challenges.
Heinz made a comment about height. Do you think it’s a major factor in the Top 20 or in women’s tennis that the height is an advantage?
I think I never really had the option. I don’t know any other way. But I think you have great examples of girls that were not so tall and had great success on the Tour. I think Justine Henin is one of them. She had an incredible amount of variety and was so fast on the court and Martina Hingis as well. I think height certainly has its advantages but it also depends on the way you play and your game style.
How much confidence to you take into tomorrow now from what Sara said was a perfect day for you?
Well, I just want to build on what I started here. It’s still a long way to go into the French Open. I have a couple of tournaments. I had a great few matches already but every match is just another learning experience and I hope to go it and play better than I have in the last matches.
In what aspects of the game?
I think in all. I always try to improve a few percentages in everything and it adds up.
