Maria Sharapova can be world no. 1 again in 2019, says Tarpischev
The Russia's Tennis Federation chief Shamil Tarpischev feels confident about Maria Sharapova's chances to be back at the top of tennis. This year the five-time Grand Slam winner has dealt with several injuries, but Tarpischev believes she can be world number one again. 'In the world of women's tennis now there is not a clear definitive leader, and everyone of the top 12 players can win any tournament,' Tarpischev said. 'If Maria keeps the fastness she has, then next year she can crack the top 10 again. And she can be the number one, because you have not a clear leader. She repeatedly said that she wants to play the Olympics again. So ending the year earlier and having a longer preparation was right. Because with the age, probably, the training is at the top of your priority.'
Tarpischev also likes Sharapova's chances to win a gold medal in Tokyo 2020, which should mark her first appearance at the Olympic Games since 2012 London. At the 2016 Rio Games, Sharapova did not play due to her doping ban. 'Yeah, of course we are very happy to see Sharapova willing to play Tokyo Olympics. Because in some matches, despite injuries, she showed the level of a top five player. And if she is not injured and keeps her qualities in terms of movement, then with a good preparation she can win the Olympics. In Tokyo there will be a hard competition for it.'
Sharapova will start the 2019 season in Shenzhen.
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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Q9zerL
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