WORLD NUMBER TWO Maria Sharapova has played down her chances of snatching the top ranking at the WTA Tour Finals in Istanbul.
Victoria Azarenka heads into this week’s tournament in Turkey as world number one but Sharapova could overhaul the Belarusian depending on results.
But Sharapova has claimed she will not get too caught up in the details and will instead focus on simply winning as many matches as she can to finish off her season in the best possible form.
“I think it (the chance of becoming world number one) also has to do with how some of the other players do – I don’t like to think about what I can’t control in my destiny, what’s not in my hands,” Sharapova said.
“It would be a great achievement, no doubt, but the more matches I win here the better chance I have of accomplishing it, so that’s my biggest priority this week.”
The WTA Tour Finals in Istanbul are set to kick off on Tuesday and Sharapova hopes she can perform much better this year.
The 25-year-old Russian entered the 2011 edition of the tournament as world number two but was defeated by both Australia’s Sam Stosur and Li Na of China to be eliminated.
“Unfortunately last year I was a bit injured and wasn’t able to play 100 percent, so it’s nice coming in this year knowing I’m ready,” Sharapova said.
“The energy from the crowd last year was spectacular; I’m really looking forward to experiencing that again.”
Reigning champion Petra Kvitova enters the event ranked sixth in the world after a tougher year than 2011, when she won Wimbledon.
But the 22-year-old Czech revealed she is thrilled to be back in Istanbul as one of the top eight players in the world.
From left to right, Li Na of China, Angelique Kerber of Germany, Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic, Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, Maria Sharapova of Russia, Serena Williams of USA, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Sara Errani of Italy pose for the official photo in Istanbul. Press Association Images.
“I knew this season would be tough for me after the breakthrough last season,” Kvitova said. ”It’s always going to be a little bit different every season we play.
“I had some injuries and illness this year but I’m glad the way I played otherwise and it means a lot to be here again. I hope when I step on the court again it will bring everything back and I will try to have nice memories from this year too.”
