Maria Sharapova to play as wildcard in Brisbane International

Former world number
one Maria Sharapova said Tuesday she still had “a lot of fire” as she
attempts to resurrect her career after an injury-plagued 2019.

The five-time major winner will open her 2020 campaign in
Brisbane after being awarded a wildcard by organisers in preparation for the
Australian Open later in January.

“To be fair when I was younger I never saw myself
playing past 30,” the 32-year-old Russian told reporters in
Brisbane. “But I still feel there is a lot in me to give. I still
have a lot of fire in me and I am big competitor.”

Sharapova has not played since a first-round loss to
career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August.

She has slipped to 133 in the world rankings after a 2019
season ruined by a shoulder injury which limited her to 15 competitive matches.

“As long as the shoulder stays healthy and my body
allows me to, I hope there is a lot of time left for me,” she said.

Sharapova won the Brisbane title in 2015 and joins a
high-class field for next week’s event spearheaded by Australia’s world number
one Ashleigh Barty and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka.

World number two Karolina Pliskova is also playing as are
fellow top 10 stars Elina Svitolina, Petra Kvitova and Kiki Bertens.

“It’s a fresh start after a tough last season,”
said Sharapova. “There were a lot of ups and downs, there were 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. At this point in my career when I have that
feeling, it’s a good sign.”

The Brisbane International begins on January 6, with
Sharapova then scheduled to play the Kooyong Classic exhibition event  in
Melbourne before the opening grand Slam of the year from January 20.

Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2019/12/maria-sharapova-to-play-as-wildcard-in-brisbane-international/