Sharapova Arrives in Birmingham and Joins in with World
Cup Fever
Two time defending Champion Maria Sharapova returned to the
grass of Edgbaston’s Priory Club today having already
begun her preparations for the 25th DFS Classic. Sharapova
who has lit up the courts in Birmingham for the last three
years and has attracted a huge following, is thrilled to be
back in Britain and back on the grass once more.
Sharapova said: “It’s very exciting to be back
in England, this is my favourite time of the year. I love
competing here and I have great memories. When I get out on
the grass everything seems to get better, my tennis comes
together.”
The world number four is also enamoured with the DFS Classic
itself. “I love this tournaments, I’ve done well
here and its great preparation. Everyone is so welcoming,
the facilities are up and ready nice and early which you don’t
get in other tournaments, they are very kind to me, and I
always feel really welcome.”
Although Maria remains fully focussed on defending her title
at the DFS Classic and getting herself ready for Wimbledon,
another sporting event has caught her eye. “I’ll
be watching it for sure. I love football, I’m terrible
at football but I love watching it, what they can do with
the ball is amazing.” Smiling for the cameras, resplendent
in a replica 1966 England football jersey Maria did admit
that world cup fever had left her a little confused. “I
never thought I’d know so much about Wayne Rooney’s
foot. Everyone needs to give the guy a break; it’s only
a broken bone.”
Maria will need to beat a host of top players to claim her
third DFS title including Indian sensation Sania Mirza, former
semi finalist Birmingham Daniele Hantuchova and Elena Likhovtseva.
DFS Classic tournament wildcards have been awarded to four
British players, Anne Keothavong, Katie O’Brien, Sarah
Borwell and Melanie South. There will be an additional four
British players in the qualifying event, starting tomorrow
which will include the British junior number one Naomi Cavaday,
Rebecca Llewellyn, Jane O’Donoghue and Claire Peterzan.
Withdrawals from the tournament include Maria Kirilenko,
Tatiana Golovin, Sybille Bammer and Karolina Sprem.
The DFS Classic will be played at the Edgbaston Priory Club,
June 10-18 2006. This year’s qualifying event will run
between Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June 2006 with the main
draw played between 12th and 18th June.
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