Sharapova back in Brum to prepare for Wimbledon bid

May 20 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

MARIA Sharapova today revealed she is returning to Edgbaston to compete in the AEGON Classic in a bid to ramp up her preparation for Wimbledon.

The 22-year-old Russian has not played in a Grand Slam since she lost in the second round of Wimbledon last year and she only recorded her first singles match this season at the Warsaw Open in Poland this week.

Not surprisingly, her enforced absence due to a shoulder injury has seen her drop to No.126 in the world.

Sharapova said: “I’m really excited about getting back on to the grass courts again and playing in the AEGON Classic.

‘‘Birmingham is a really special tournament for me and I always get great support. I’ve won there twice before and I always feel very welcome. It’s excellent preparation for Wimbledon.”

Sharapova has previously admitted the tournament at the Edgbaston Priory, from June 8-14, is often the first in her diary, outside of the Grand Slams, due to the fond memories it holds.

The three-time Grand Slam winner was first triumphant in 2004, when she beat Tatiana Golovin in a three-set final.

That victory spurred her on to become the youngest Wimbledon Champion in the Open era and since then the former world No.1 has made no secret of her passion for the grass courts.

■ Tickets for the event can be obtained by calling 0844 581 1331 or at www.theticketfactory.com.