Despite her recent success on her least favorite surface, Maria Sharapova is in prime form on the red clay. Today Sharapova rolled in her first round match 60, 60 over Alexandra Cadantu in the first round of the French Open.

Afterward, Sharapova admitted that sometimes she’s still a “cow on ice”.

“I do occasionally still feel like it, and I’m sure I look like it, too,” Sharapova joked after the 48 minute win.

Needing only a French Open to complete her career slam, Sharapova assessed her chances this week.

“I think everyone has a good chance,” she said. “It’s always about who takes their chances. Of course I’m really happy with the way my preparation has been coming into this tournament. I feel like with every year I have improved and I enjoy it much more.
You know, I think I learn a lot more about the game and the point construction. I feel like I’m moving a lot better than I did years previously, which has helped me a lot in the recovery process within the point. So, yeah, it definitely gives me a lot of confidence for this tournament.

“But just like any other event within this tournament, I hope that I improve with every round and get better. Whoever is across the net is that person that I’ll have to beat.”

Sharapova is seeded to meet rival Serena Williams in the quarterfinals. Maria won two clay titles this spring in Rome and Stuttgart.

Filed under: French Open
Tags: Maria Sharapova