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By
Sandra Harwitt
Only a day after Maria Sharapova’s amazing run to the
fourth round of Wimbledon—in this, her first main draw
appearance at the granddaddy of all the grand slams—and
the stunningly attractive Russian’s work was not done
at the tournament.
In an aim to educate their upcoming stars—and Sharapova
definitely fits the bill as one of the shining lights of the
new generation of players—the WTA Tour is trying to foster
early and comfortable working relations between players and
the press. So there stood the Russian-born, America-based
Sharapova outside the Wimbledon media room, listening intently
as the WTA’s communications director, Darryl Fry, explained
that he was going to take her inside and her role was to mingle
and be friendly.
With the ease that she brushed aside opponents Ashley Harkleroad,
21st-seeded fellow Russian Elena Bovina and 11th-seeded Jelena
Dokic before falling to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova, a
smiling Sharapova entered the media room, shook the hands
of numerous report-ers while introducing herself with a “Hi,
I’m Maria” as if she were still an unknown, and
chatted briefly with anyone in her path.
It certainly would be a pleasure if Sharapova develops a fondness
for the media since she’s likely to become quite a factor
in the game. At this point in time, Sharapova is a fresh-faced
talent who delights in playing the game—she beams broadly
with every winning shot she makes and the effort she puts
into every ball smacked is revealed with the loudest of grunts
echoing from her mouth.
Just sweet 16 and model beautiful, Sharapova seems undaunted
by the parade of photographers trailing her now that she’s
become a name. She has much more important concerns, such
as going the distance at tournaments, because after all, she
is a tennis player.
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