Wimbledon top priority for Sharapova

Maria Sharapova will give top priority to the defence of her Wimbledon title this year after insisting the world number one ranking can wait.

"Being number one is not for this year, I don't think," Sharapova told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. "For this year, I would love to defend Wimbledon. It's what drives me." "My main goal is to be number one in the world of course," added the Russian, who is playing at this week's Pan Pacific Open tournament in Tokyo.

"But if it's not tomorrow, or not in a year then, you know, if it will happen it will happen -- if not, whatever." Sharapova was less ambivalent when asked about her fierce rivalry with Serena Williams, who she beat in last year's Wimbledon final and at the season-ending WTA Tour Championships.

Sharapova Donates Porsche Proceeds to Beslan Victims

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova on Friday handed over more than $50,000 to victims of last year's school siege in Beslan, Russia.

The 17-year-old Siberian signed over the proceeds of an auction she held for the Porsche car she won at the season-ending WTA Tour Championships.

Sharapova's auction raised $56,300.

"Making this donation was the least that I could do to help the innocent victims in my country who were tragically affected by this senseless act," Sharapova said.

"I encourage everyone to do as much as they can to bring at least a little bit of comfort and support to these victims and their families who are still stricken with grief and sadness."

Mainly Chechen separatists took over a school with 1,300 hostages last September and held it for two days.

An operation by Russian security forces to end the siege collapsed in chaos and bloodshed in which 330 people -- half of them children -- were killed.

Williams battles past Sharapova in semis

Former champion Serena Williams clawed her way back from the brink to beat fourth seed Maria Sharapova 2-6 7-5 8-6 on Thursday, avenging her Wimbledon defeat and reaching the Australian Open final.

Sharapova, who beat the former world number one in last year's Wimbledon final, served for the match in the second and third sets of a tense semi-final.

Williams, the 2003 champion, broke the 17-year-old Russian both times, desperately saving three match points on Sharapova's serve in the 10th game of the third set.

Seventh seed Williams broke Sharapova in the final game with a backhand winner after two hours and 39 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Williams jumped and screamed with joy after another remarkable Melbourne comeback. She saved two match points in her semi-final against Belgian Kim Clijsters in 2003, battling back from 1-5 down in the third set to win.

"I've had a lot of great wins on this court, two times in a row I've been down match point to win. This is such a special court for me," said Williams, who was unable to defend her 2003 title because of injury.

Maria sticks to tennis

THE IMG Oz Open players party at Crown casino at Breezes was again a major hit among all the top players and, as usual, a fantastic way to start the 2005 party season. IMG big names Maria Sharapova, Venus and Serena Williams, Lindsay Davenport and Daniela Huntuchova all turned up on Sunday night.

Sharapova, last year's Wimbledon winner, was dressed in a short denim mini-skirt. It seems she has quite a few fans among Melbourne's AFL ranks. Several of the IMG-managed footy players who wandered into Breezes wanted to meet the superstar from Russia. But she wasn't that keen.

Maria ambassador for Moscow's Olympics 2012 bid

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova has been chosen to become an ambassador for the Moscow bid to host the 2012 Olympics, city officials said on Monday.
"For Moscow to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games would be a dream for me and millions of other Russians," the Siberian-born teenager was quoted as saying by the Moscow bid committee.

"I am looking forward to helping explain why Moscow should host the Games," added the Florida-based Russian.

"Russia has a very strong history of sports and having the Olympic Games in Moscow in 2012 would be a new and brilliant chapter in that history."

Maria plays down talk of Russian rift

Maria Sharapova, the Wimbledon winner has played down talk of a rift between her and other Russian tennis "tsarinas" ; this, just ahead of this year's Australian Open.
The 17-year-old star stunned the world of tennis in 2004 when she won Wimbledon in one remarkable season where three Grand Slam crowns were won by Russian players.

Four Stars Come Out for TAG Heuer

Four Stars Come Out for TAG Heuer as the Luxury Watchmaker Unveils its 2005 Brand Ambassadors and New Ad Campaign Fusing Sport and Glamour - Uma Thurman, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, and Jeff Gordon Are Presented by Patrick Demarchelier in the TAG Heuer 'What Are You Made Of' Advertising Campaign

Tennis champion Maria Sharapova becomes TAG Heuer's youngest brand ambassador. In just two seasons, she became one of the top-ranking tennis players in the world and the winner of the 2004 Wimbledon and WTA year-end championships. Ms. Sharapova has made her mark on the pro tennis circuit, quickly advancing to the number four spot and winning two of the biggest tournaments in championship tennis.

According to the 17-year-old Russian tennis star and third youngest Wimbledon Champion in WTA history, "To represent a brand as legendary as TAG Heuer is a privilege. I am thrilled to become a TAG Heuer brand ambassador. To me, TAG Heuer is a perfect fit because I love fine watches, glamour and winning. I look forward to building a strong relationship with TAG Heuer in the coming years."

Maria quits HK tennis exhibition game on fitness concern

Maria Sharapova quit the Hong Kong tennis exhibition game due to concerns upon fitness on Friday. The 17-year-old Russian beauty said she suffered a stomachache and felt too weak to play competition. "Last night at about 2 a.m. I woke up with an upset stomach, feeling cold and flu-like. I called the hotel doctor who gave me some medication," said Sharapova. "This morning I felt very weak, I had no energy and I realized that I simply couldn't play. "The doctor also told me that it would be best for me to rest until at least Monday.

Maria has a stomach virus

Maria has a stomach virus, here is what she has to say about it : "Last night I got a stomach virus. The doctor checked me out and this morning I was very weak.".

Maria is not expected to be a doubt for the Australian Open, which starts on 17 January.