Sharapova is a former World No.1.(credit:
Wikipedia.org)
Maria Sharapova is due to face Julia Goerges in round three of the Australian OpenMaria Sharapova continued her Australian Open campaign with a straight sets victory over Virginie Razzano earlier in the week, and is due to face Julia Goerges on Friday in round three. This promises to be a tough match, though Sharapova is capable of progressing if she finds her rhythm early on. Sharapova won this event in 2008, and will know what is required for her to lift the trophy at the end of next week.
Speaking in a recent interview, Sharapova remarked, “This is where I’m trying to find my groove after being gone for a while…I’m enjoying that”. The former World No. 1 was sidelined for nine months after her Australian Open success, and hasn’t won a Slam since. Despite this, she seems content with how things are going. “I’ve been No. 1. I’ve won Grand Slams. I’ve been in a position where…I’ve faced tough opponents and had to beat them in order to be a champion. This is a different stage of my career”.
Goerges, her third round opponent, is likely to have a different psychological approach to this match. The young German is appearing in her first third-round Slam match, and should have her best tennis years ahead of her. She broke into the top fifty last year, and could be a threat to Sharapova on Friday.
Sharapova currently has a 1-0 head to head record against Goerges. The only meeting between the pairing occurred last year on the clay courts of Strasbourg, where Sharapova claimed a 7-6(2), 6-1 victory.
Bet & Watch on the Australian Open live online at bet365 > Live Streaming Tennis