While she may never get her right shoulder back to where it used to be, former World No 1 Maria Sharapova is certain she can still play great Tennis.
The 32-year old admits to being frustrated by the rotator cuff tear she’s undergone surgery for, an injury which has plagued her since she received a ban for doping. She was limited to playing just eight events and 15 matches this year. But the five-time champion of the Grand Slam says that she’s never even considered retirement, although she’s already enjoyed a career that’s lasted longer than she ever dreamed.
Sharapova has let it be known that she never saw herself playing past the age of 30 while she gets ready to launch her 2020 campaign in Queensland after receiving a Brisbane International wildcard. She stated that while she doesn’t think her shoulder will ever be perfect again, she still feels like she’s got something to offer the game. She said that as long as it stays healthy and her body’s up to the challenge she’ll keep playing.
Her World Ranking plummeted to No 133 after her injury, and the Brisbane International, which starts on the 6th of January, is no easy task. The field is a strong one, featuring Australian Ashleigh Barty, World No 1, Naomi Osaka, the Japanese Australian Open champion, Czech Brisbane International champion Karolína Plíšková, and American powerhouse Venus Williams.
But Sharapova is welcoming the challenge, calling it a fresh start after a difficult last season.
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