The DFS Classic has started on Monday, and world No. 2 Maria Sharapova is glad to be back on the grass courts of the Edgbaston Priory Club.
Maria, the No. 1 seed, is a regular in Birmingham – this is the fifth year in a row that she plays at this event; she was the champion in 2004 and 2005.
“It brings back so many good memories, especially here because before I won my first Grand Slam at Wimbledon I won here, so that was pretty exciting,” said the Russian star.
“I always see the same people here every year. The same volunteers and members of the club and it’s great. When you don’t see people for a year and you come back (and) they were around when you had great results, it makes it home away from home in a way,” Maria added.
We all know that during this year Maria had problems with injuries, especially with her right shoulder. However, she doesn’t think that it will cause her any problems this week. “I’ll have to monitor it. At the French Open I felt it from time to time in certain matches. But I don’t think it limited me too much. We’ll see how it is.”
Birmingham is the first event of the grass season before Wimbledon which begins in two weeks time. (via DFS Classic)