Maria Sharapova launched her grass-court return in Mallorca yesterday and cites the island's most famous champion as her inspiration.
Sharapova, who stopped Slovakia’s Viktoria Kuzmova, 7-6 (8) 6-0, for her first grass-court win in four years yesterday, says 12-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal's resilience bouncing back from injuries has been a motivational force in her own comeback.
Watch: Sharapova Makes Winning Return
“He is the ultimate fighter and an amazing example of what you can achieve if you have the will and the passion for what you do,” Sharapova told Reuters. "I’ve always admired the way he has fought through all the injuries he’s had and he’s the greatest example of that.
“The sport is so physical, especially the way he plays, but brings an optimistic perspective on his work that he can come back and be a champion. He is extremely motivated.”
World No. 2 Nadal has been training on the grass courts of the Mallorca Open.
Grand Slam champions collide in Mallorca as five-time major champion Sharapova faces reigning Wimbledon winner Angelique Kerber next.
Sharapova said her cranky serving shoulder has been feeling better.
“The shoulder is doing well, I took my time in order to come back to my first event and feel that I have a really good chance at it," Sharapova said. "With every match it will be a good test, but I need to get it out into the battle field to test it. “You can heal all you want but when you get back to your sport it’s a different ball game.”
Photo credit: Christopher Levy