Sport | Tennis

Sharapova admits making mistakes

Russia's Maria Sharapova was headed for an unknown destination for a quick holiday before continuing the rest of the season.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:39 February 28, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Russia's Maria Sharapova was headed for an unknown destination for a quick holiday before continuing the rest of the season.

Sharapova became the third major casualty on Tuesday after Daniela Hantuchova and Serena Williams following an earlier claim that nine of the top 10 players would be contesting the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.

"Right now, I can only think of taking the week off and heading straight back home before going for a short vacation to recharge myself," Sharapova said.

"The holiday will be with a limited number of people and at a secret destination, though I have not decided where I want to go. Maybe I will have a book with me to read during the holiday."

She has two weeks at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, starting from March 10, and a further two weeks at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida, at the end of next month.

"Both these events are long tournaments, and one needs to be 100 per cent fit. I have made mistakes in choosing events in the past. But now I realise the need to be smarter while choosing in the future," Sharapova admitted.

"A tough schedule is going to take its toll with time. But for the time being, I need to give myself time to recover and get prepared for the tough tests lying ahead."

The Russian has had a solid year so far. "I have played some incredible tennis and the start for this season has been good. But I do not need to think far ahead, but rather concentrate on making the right decisions while selecting the events I need to be part of," she offered.

But she left Dubai yesterday evening with the promise of returning next year. "The good news is I am young and have many more years of playing before me. I will come back and play here again," she promised.

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