Konta makes dignified exit from Wimbledon against Sharapova (From The Argus)

Now, 11 years on, Sharapova has only ever won Wimbledon as “a child”. So when the name Sugarpova came about and I put the two together, I realised how much fun this could be.’. “I’m just very happy with how I competed with those girls”.

But Cech, who was twice named in the PFA team of the year during his time at Chelsea, played understudy to Courtois last season and made just 15 appearances in all competitions, prompting his move to north London. Your first grand slam title is very special. But then I needed to do a few things back in California for my health. Life is such an experience and you have to go through it and you have to learn. “Festivals and things like that are something that I really want to do once I retire”.

“You can’t get too comfortable no matter what match you’re playing”. Sharapova, her groundstrokes starting to flow, turned the screw and immediately broke back before effortlessly working her way to victory. It’s such a fine line.

World number four Maria Sharapova said blowing away the cobwebs after a four-week hiatus was a positive, in her Wimbledon first-round win. And she admits that she does also get a kick out of the brash and noisy style of the USA Open – all fireworks, dance-beats and hamburger smells drifting across the court. And each year for the past decade, Forbes magazine has judged the Siberian to be the world’s highest-earning female athlete, with a portfolio of sponsors.

Konta’s best chance yesterday was to catch Sharapova a little undercooked, after just ten days’ of grass-court training. The defending champion was visibly suffering from an illness at the time and although she said it did not play a part in her performance, Sharapova insists she has recovered ahead of Wimbledon.

“There’s always going to be something there, and I think it’s about rolling with the punches and just really enjoying every situation that arises, whether it’s good or bad”.

Sharapova held to love before breaking again in the eighth game with a powerful return – giving her a set advantage after 38 minutes. “That’s what it all comes down to at Wimbledon”.

“But I wanted to focus on myself as I haven’t played for a couple of weeks”. When I’m working hard, I’m thinking of that lovely plate. My sponsors definitely take more time for that.

Sharapova had not featured since illness contributed to her French Open exit in the last 16 at the hands of Lucie Safarova, but had more than enough to see off Britain’s number two 6-2 6-2. “I think in some ways, yes. Not many players can say they’ve played these players in their career, so I’m looking forward to it”.

“Also in doubles, my partner and I are playing Venus and Serena Williams.