Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova has ruled out the possibility that she may retire from the sport next year amid recent speculation surrounding her future.
Sharapova hasn’t played a competitive match since the US Open due to a shoulder injury and is currently ranked 29th in the world. During what has been a mixed season for the Russian, her best results were reaching the semi-finals of tournaments in Shenzhen and Rome. Sharapova also reached the quarter-finals of the French Open before losing to Garbine Muguruza.
Since returning from a 15-month doping ban in 2017, Sharapova has only managed to win one title. Triumphing at the Tianjin Open last year. In September former top 10 player Andrei Chesnokov claimed that he had ‘strong hints’ from Sharapova’s agent, Max Eisenbud, that she may quit the sport in 2019. A rumour that has now been quashed the 31-year-old.
“It’s a nice feeling to know you’re really good at something,” Sharapova said during an interview with sport24.co.za.
“I don’t know. It’s a good self-esteem booster because I’m not good at any other sports. I’m worthless at many other things, but I go out on the court and I feel like I’m really good at this. I’ve accomplished a lot, and why wouldn’t I continue? Why wouldn’t I want to get better and improve? It’s something that I’ve done for a very long time and something that I feel, you know, there’s still so many opportunities for me and things to achieve.”
The five-time grand slam champion is yet to regain the form she has prior to her suspension. Overall, Sharapova has recorded 97 wins over top 10 opposition throughout her career. Although only four of those have occurred over the past two years. The most recent being against Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open.
“Motivation has never really been an issue. Obviously the shoulder has been a big part of my career and something that I’ve had to get through.” Sharapova explained.
“I’m very privileged to do what I do, and I love it.’
Besides addressing her future in the sport, Sharapova has also said that she has been ‘very fortunate’ to have a ‘consistent team’ on the tour. In March she ended her collaboration with Sven Groeneveld, who had worked with her since 2014. More recently, she has sought guidance from Thomas Hogstedt. Hogstedt also coached Sharapova between 2010-2013.
“I’ve been fortunate. I have had a fairly consistent team in my career. I have changed coaches a couple of times, a couple of physios but have been on the tour for many years. Some have families, and they come and go.” She said.
“But I have been very lucky with the people I have had on my team.”
Sharapova is set to return to action in the first week of January at the Shenzhen Open in China.
