Sharapova dreaming of glory for Russia at Beijing Olympics
Sunday, 27 Jan 2008 10:28
Sharapova wants to add the Olympic title to the Australian Open
Following her success in the Australian Open Maria Sharapova has revealed her next target this season is the Beijing Olympics.
Seen by many as the fifth Grand Slam, an Olympic gold medal is coveted by most players in the game because the tournament comes around so rarely.
The Russian said she would prioritise the tournament above all others, including Wimbledon, though she admitted that in any other year the All England Championships would be her target.
Sharapova said: "I think because I already have a Wimbledon title I'd take the Olympic gold medal. But if it was any other tournament, I would say Wimbledon."
The three-time grand slam winner explained she had always dreamed of representing Russia at the Olympics since she was a child.
Sharapova was only 16-year-old during the last Olympics in Greece and so the Games in Beijing are her first chance to sample the Olympic experience.
"I'm very much looking forward to the opening ceremony and that's one of the things I was always watching on TV," Sharapova said.
"I think for tennis players it's just incredible to be a part of it [the Olympics]"
Under Olympic rules players are only eligible to take part in the Games if they have represented their country in the Federations Cup.
Sharapova will make her debut in the Fed Cup next week when Russia travel to Israel in the quarter-final of the world group.
Once she has completed this task Sharapova will move one step closer to realising her Olympic dream.