‘I have a lot left to give’- Maria Sharapova in defiant mood as she puts shoulder to test

WTA Tour

Tennis365
January 2, 2020

Maria Sharapova has dismissed speculation about an imminent retirement by saying she believes she still has plenty left to offer tennis.

Sharapova endured a wretched 2019 as she managed to enter just eight tournaments due to a persistent shoulder injury.

That saw her world ranking plummet to leave her outside of the top 100, leaving her requiring a wild card to enter the Brisbane International this month.

However, Sharapova insists that reports of any retirement plans are incredibly premature.

“I want a fresh start after a tough last season,” Sharapova told the Australian press.

“There were a lot of ups and downs in 2019; also times when I was ready but the shoulder wasn’t.

“But I have had a fairly good off-season and I am motivated to compete on a high level again. At this point in my career, it’s a good sign when I have that feeling.

“I never saw myself playing past 30 when I was younger but I still feel there is a lot in me to give.

“I still have a lot of fire and I am a big competitor; as long as the shoulder stays healthy and my body allows me to, I hope there is a lot of time left for me in tennis.

“The results are important, but for me, it is more about how I feel day to day, making sure my shoulder holds up.

“If everything goes well, I am definitely up for that challenge.”

Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.

Maria Sharapova