Maria Sharapova to fight hard to defend French Open crown

World number two Maria Sharapova said that it is a “meaningful” moment for her to be back in Paris as the defending champion of the Roland Garros tournament, a Grand Slam event that’s being played on red clay, which is admittedly Sharapova’s weakest surface.

“It’s very meaningful to come back as defending champion,” Sharapova said. “It means you have done something pretty good, and you’re coming back to try to defend it. I think it’s one of the best honours you can have as a tennis player. Of course, there’s always a bit of pressure coming back. But the draw looks good.”

Sharapova was not the heavy favorite to win the Roland Garros last year, even if her rival Serena Williams was eliminated in the opening round back then. However, her impressive play has made a mark and she lifted the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy after her victory over Italian Sara Errani. In the process, she reclaimed the top ranking after completing a Career Grand Slam win.

Sharapova is not about to underestimate her opponents in the earlier rounds of Roland Garros.

“I didn’t wake up one day having simply become a good clay-court player,” she said. “I always knew I’d have to work extremely hard to get where I am today. It never came easy and it took many years. But I did feel every year I was getting closer, and last year everything came together in so many ways. I haven’t been back here since that victory and it’s been nice to practice here again.”