I don't know if anyone has read/post this already but I just saw it at Yahoo so it must be a recent interview by Jon Wertheim on Sharapova. ;)


Russian rocket
by Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated
. A Russian by birth who emigrated to the Land of Bollettieri at age seven, the five-foot-9 blonde draws inevitable comparisons to a certain you-know-who. Sharapova is already resigned to the fact that the "Next Anna" tag trails behind her like a tail. But the comparisons only go so far: While her prefiguration films flashy music videos and adidas ads off the court, Sharapova tends to her stamp collection and reads Chekhov. ("He's a very famous Russian writer, at least in Russia," she is quick to explain.) In between The Cherry Orchard and a yoga session at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., she chatted with CNNSI.com.

CNNSI.com: How was yoga?
Sharapova: That was my first ever session! It was different but pretty good.

CNNSI.com: So what's your timetable, given that you're restricted by age-eligibility rules?
Sharapova: Well, I'll play the French juniors, Wimbledon juniors, then World TeamTennis for the Delaware Smash. Hopefully I'll have a rest after that, though I'm not sure that's going to happen.

CNNSI.com: Gunning for that U.S. Open wild card?
Sharapova: Hopefully. I want to.

CNNSI.com: Having already played a tour event, showing you can play at the pro level on stadium court at a big tournament, how hard is it to go back to juniors?
Sharapova: I'm happy to play pro tournaments when I can. It's good experience to go out there and show what I can do, but I don't have any [letdown] when I'm playing juniors. I just want to win.

CNNSI.com: Would you be a pro now if there was no age restrictions? Put another way: Are you in favor of the eligibility rules?
Sharapova: Well, right now the travel is tough for me [as a junior]. If I were a pro, there are so many events I could just play in the U.S. But now I have to go, say, all the way to Japan to play a junior tournament. That doesn't do anything for me. But that's just the way it is. I can't do anything about it.

CNNSI.com: Anything in particular you're working on before you become a full-time pro?
Sharapova: I need to get stronger and build muscle. [Sharapova is a waif-like 110 pounds.] I've been growing a lot recently because I'm getting taller and I'm very thin right now. That's a disadvantage against bigger girls at the moment but I'm trying to build myself up and get stronger, which will come in a few years. Or months.

CNNSI.com: You've been at the academy but you've also been working with Robert Lansdorp in California. What's your coaching situation?
Sharapova: I came to the academy when I came from Russia and Nick [Bollettieri] and his staff have been helping me all this time, but I started training with Robert Lansdorp and he's really been helping me, too. But we have a house in Florida and my mom is here so I come back here. The staff here, as far as sparring partners, they provide me with everything I need. So I have both.

CNNSI.com: For a player who has played only one tournament, you've already been in Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and Vanity Fair. Does this attention surprise you?
Sharapova: I didn't really expect it, but I didn't not expect it, so I don't really care. I think when you play Monica Seles and play a good match for the crowd, I guess people start to like you.

CNNSI.com: Is there any tennis player you particularly liked when you were younger?
Sharapova: I didn't have a role model. I just played. I really didn't care who anyone else was. [Laughs.] I guess when you're in Russia, you don't pay much attention to that. I really just had fun and tried to concentrate on my normal life, not on who was out there playing the pros. In Russia too, they didn't show that many matches. In the U.S., I had more exposure and got more into it more.

CNNSI.com: People are already speculating about whether you'll "pull a Monica" and become a U.S. citizen and be able to play Fed Cup or Olympic tennis for America. What's your stance right now?
Sharapova: Right now I have Russian citizenship and am playing for the Russian Federation. I was born in Russia and I have a family there and I obviously love Russia very much. I play for Russia and I'm happy with that.

CNNSI.com: If X years from now Billie Jean King invited you to play Fed Cup for the United States, what would you say?
Sharapova: I've lived here more than half my life so it depends on the situation. I guess my parents will take care of it because I'm just playing out there and having a lot of fun. Even if I became an American, I'd still study Russian, I'd still visit my grandparents in Russia every summer. The only thing that would change is when I'm in the draw -- it wouldn't say "Russia" next to my name, it would say "U.S." That isn't a huge difference to me.

CNNSI.com: When you go back to Russia, where do you go?
Sharapova: Sochi. On the Black Sea, where Kafelnikov is from.

CNNSI.com: Tell us something else about you. What are your interests outside tennis?
Sharapova: I have a lot of schoolwork to do. I'm almost done with ninth grade. Basically, I'm in tenth.

CNNSI.com: Music? Movies?
Sharapova: Fashion. I love fashion. I like Versace and Gucci. But I can't afford it right now.

CNNSI.com: Just wait till you turn pro.
Sharapova: Anyone can turn pro. I need to win some matches before I can afford that!

Sports Illustrated senior writer Jon Wertheim covers tennis for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Click here to send a question to his Tennis Mailbag.




:bounce:

Even if I became an American, I'd still study Russian, I'd still visit my grandparents in Russia every summer. The only thing that would change is when I'm in the draw -- it wouldn't say "Russia" next to my name, it would say "U.S." That isn't a huge difference to me.

She better stay and play for Russia, thats what she told me in AUS.

BJK ........ don't you dare go near her :p

Thanks bubble!

Well, her future is quite hazy regarding her citizenship. As I thought, she doesn`t know what does she like to be. But she may be "helped" to make a decision. A wrong one.

thats why we should include her in our team ASAP

but WTA player can change countries ..... pathetic ruling, ATP ones cannot change and play Davis Cup is they have played DC already for another nation.

Hoping her parents make her see sense, what greater joy than to win the Olympics and hearing the Russian Anthem instead of one you don't care for.

I will publish a small article in Tennis + about Sharapova case. It may help to draw attention as Shamil Tarpischev is one of the directors :)

good idea fresh :)

that may do the trick

Smart girl. Very diplomatic. That's what I would have said too. I mean, for her current tennis development she would need some help from USTA - like it will be up to USTA whether she gets that US Open WC or not. So she can do what Alex Bogomolov has done last year. He agreed to play at US Open for USA, to get that WC. But, I guess, he is playing under Russian flag since.

I didn't really expect it, but I didn't not expect it,


I like this quote. ;) Yeah, she is very good in interviews at such a young age... Reflects her mature thinking...

Thanks for the interview, Bubble! It's fantastic! :bounce:

When was it done? At Indian Wells, TennisReporters.com repoted that Maria is spending alot more time training with Robert Lansdorp in California, than with Nick Bollettieri in Florida.

She handles herself so well. I am very impressed! ;)

Do you remember my recent thread in General Messages about whether the USTA should recruit Maria Sharapova to play for America? Well, it sounds to me like it's going to happen. Otherwise Maria would have said she is happy representing Russia, and has no interest in representing America. If Maria becomes a big star, she can make probably 5 times as much money in endorsements as an American citizen as she can as a Russian citizen. Plus, Anna Kournikova has the market cornered with endorsements for female Russian tennis players. That will play a big factor in her decision. But Maria is going to be very wealthy. She'll be a millionaire dozens of times over, if she becomes a top player.

But don't think IMG won't steer her in the direction of American citizenship. I mean, as far as I know, Maria has never even played a junior tournament in Russia. Anna Kournikova ate age 20, is still a Russian citizen. By the time Maria is 20, I believe she will be an American citizen. And it might happen even sooner.

I still hope Maria stays a Russian citizen. But even I was kind of shocked how she seemed to welcome Wertheim's suggestion about becoming an American citizen.

Maria shouldn't leave the decision about her citizenship up to her parents. Don't you think that's kind of a copout? Maria is wise beyond her years.

I wonder if Maria and her agents, or even Wertheim saw my recent thread about Maria possibly becoming an American citizen?
One thing is for sure. My thread about the USTA recruiting Maria to play for America will happen at some point. You're move Mr. Tarpischev. The Russian Tennis Federation should atleast invite Maria to be a practice partner for Russia's next Fed Cup tie this summer. If he doesn't invite Maria, Billie Jean King might just invite Maria to be a practice partner for America's next Fed Cup tie. And then her change in citizenship would be a done deal.

Where is Yevgeny Kafelnikov in all this?

Maria says she can't afford some things. Like expensive clothes. But we know IMG has already gotten her locked into contracts with Nike and Prince. Two American companies, I might add! :eek:

In thinking about Maria and Anna, I would think Anna is still more Russian than Maria is. I don't think Anna will change her citizenship. But I think Maria will.

Maria is still playing a very light professional schedule. It's time the Russian Tennis Federation started inviting her to the Russian team competitions. Profession or Junior. I also hope Maria has a better relationship with the Russian girls than Anna does. But Maria's being Americanized might cause some resentment. But I'm hoping Maria handles herself with more class and friendliness than Anna does.

Udachi Maria! Stay a Russian citizen. And become a Russian sports heroine! :kiss: I would think that would be much more important to Maria than being another fine female American tennis player.

Thanks again for the article, Bubble! :kiss:

Originally posted by fresh2flash
I will publish a small article in Tennis + about Sharapova case. It may help to draw attention as Shamil Tarpischev is one of the directors :)

fresh2flash, please do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

tenn_ace, if Shamil Tarpischev doesn't know about Maria Sharapova, then he is completely hopeless as the Russian Tennis Czar! :( I would think he would have asked Maria to play junior team events for Russia this year, and possibly for the Russian Fed Cup team next year. I don't have alot of confidence in Tarpischev. Do you? :confused:

Cat, Tarpischev is not Tzar if by that you mean a person with unlimited authority and power. He has his limits and they are very strict. He can try to persuade but he can`t order.

In that particular case it is very important to know if Masha is doing well with other Russian girls or maybe she has closer relations with American ones.

U r welcome ! Cat ;)

I really hope Russia do something fast to hold on to Maria... It's willl really be their loss if Maria decides to play for USA ...

Freshy, you wrote that it is "very important to know if Masha is doing well with other Russian girls or whether she has closer relations with American ones". What do you mean? :confused: Do you mean if Maria gets along well with the Russian girls, then there is a better chance that she will stay an Russian citizen? That might be true. And I hope Maria, unlike Anna kournikova, has a good relationship with the other Russian girls! And I mean both the Russified Russian girls, and the Americanized Russian girls! ;)

On the other hand, if Maria already has better relations with the American girls, then at some point she will probably become an American citizen. I'm hoping that Maria gets along better with people than Anna Kournikova does. :) If she does, then she will very likely have good relations with Russian tennis, Russian tennis players and The Russian Tennis Federation. :D

I'm hoping that fellow Sochi-ite Yevgeny Kafelnikov, can still play a helping role in Maria's tennis developement. If he does, then he would be a great Russian influence on her. :bounce: Right?

Thanks Bubble for the wonderful interview. :wavey:

Well as you know, I am a devoted fan of Sharapova for 2.5 years. I would be extremely UPSET if she changes her nationality to be an Amercian. It won't be the same at all. If that happens, I will throw the computer away and retire as a devoted fan on a high. Maria Sharapova is the last player I follow and cheer for in her every easy or tough match while she remains to be Russian for the rest of her career. My love for Sharapova is incredible and unique that is hard for me to put into words. :)

My simple formula: Sharapova + Russia + Tennis = Excitement ;)

CatHat, well said for your every post here. I couldn't have said better.

I miss Maria terribly. Come back in action, Maria. Maria away from tennis for two weeks is too long for me! I am impatiently waiting for her to play again. I hope she is entered for the G1 junior event in Italy. And then after that, the next event is junior Italian Open GA. We would be able to know how she would fare on the clay surface.

Go Masha! :bounce: :bounce:

Yes Fresh2Flash, please do it! Much appreciated! :D

Sharky's back! :bounce: In her pink and black! Anna's favorite colors! ;)

It seems like Sharky would be more upset than Eggy would if Maria becomes an American citizen! :eek: That would hurt me a little bit, too. But we should love her just the same! :kiss:

Again, if Shamil Tarpischev doesn't already know about Maria, and have some level of contact with Maria, her parents or IMG, then he has dropped the ball bigtime! :eek: I have to believe, until proven otherwise, that Tarpischev knows about Maria and he will have good relations with Masha, her family and her agents.

Udachi Maria! :hearts:

Me in pink and black? Yuck! Jeans and earth colors is what I love to wear! Sorry Cathat! :angel:

Oh you bet! I would be more upset than not only Eggy but everybody on the planet! :fiery: Maria must not leave Russia, period. No if's, and but's! My love for Maria would be dead as hell if she does.

Eggy loves Russian girls equally. :drool: We know him a famous Russian womanizer! Just kidding, Eggy. ;)

CatHat, you must go to US Open and cheer for Maria since you are not too far away, right?

Right! I hope to be there.

But Sharky, it's Maria the player and person we care about. Not RUS or USA. Right? :confused: I want her to stay the "Russian Lynx". But I could never stop rooting for her. What if Maria is treated by Russia and Russian tennis players as an outsider, like Anna Kournikova? And what if Maria marries an American man and has her own American family? These situations are distinct possibilities. And they may play an important factor in her citizenship. You should take all these things into consideration.

Hoping her parents make her see sense, what greater joy than to win the Olympics and hearing the Russian Anthem instead of one you don't care for :eek: :eek:

That was strong Eggy :D

Why are we arguing so much about this? Let Sharky build her career before we discuss this kind of topics. She said herself that she didn't care very much about nationality, so probably she's not that patriotic :)

CNNSI.com: If X years from now Billie Jean King invited you to play Fed Cup for the United States, what would you say?
Sharapova: I've lived here more than half my life so it depends on the situation. I guess my parents will take care of it because I'm just playing out there and having a lot of fun. Even if I became an American, I'd still study Russian, I'd still visit my grandparents in Russia every summer. The only thing that would change is when I'm in the draw -- it wouldn't say "Russia" next to my name, it would say "U.S." That isn't a huge difference to me.

I'd like to know how the Russians are reacting to those comments? Good or Bad?

that's probably the most bothersome part of the whole article as far as for whether she's gonna turn or not. She certainly leaves the door wide open for a change.

That's so much like the Dokic situation, I mean, she's really kind being pulled both ways and that's gotta be tough.

cat, you have to remember, she's only 15 now and her parents are still calling the shots for her. It's good that she is still allowing her parents to do so. You've got to allow her to mature and it appears from her comments that she's doing quite well. She can't afford to be rushed into "anything" at the moment, you know.

You gotta look back at the Capriatti situation.

That isn't a huge difference to me.

The difference may not be huge, but it still may be quite big ;)

I from my part don`t root for Sharapova even now. The player, especially female-player, goes into my list of favs only if he means something to me, if she or he made something that causes respect. A mere fact of mere existence is not enough. And in my list are not just Russian players. Daniela Hantuchova and Jelena Dokic are there as well. If Masha changes her citizenship I won`t root for her, but I do not root for her much now. If she stays a Russian resident only under a great pressure from authorities and media, I won`t root for her either. Citizenship to me is a big factor but not decisive. She should make her decision herself, not now, she is quite young and may do not understand the whole story, but when she turns 17.

so true, but she is only 15, yet her results have been great thus far, enough for me to take note and say, "well, we might have something here," but as far as for rooting for her, I mean, yeah, you kinda have to have something special to respect her for, sure.

it's just the choice between who she plays for kinda makes that tough for some people, 'cause she's stuck between a rock and a hard place, and it's just gonna get tougher I think

Jojo, is that you? Is this your first post in Russian Roulette? Welcome! :wavey:

Freshy, I'm shocked and dissapointed in your comments about Maria. If that's the kind of attitude Russians have for her, then she will sense that, and she will certainly become an American citizen. Or is it the fact that she is trained in America,and has lived more than half her life in America that bothers you? :confused: I'm a little confused as to why you don't support Maria the way you do Dinara Safina or Svetlana Kuznetsova, both of whom have left Russia as well to live and train elsewhere.

And Jojo, Maria also said in that interview that she loves Russia very much and that she's happy to play for Russia. Jon Wertheim proposed the question about Billie Jean King. I think Maria handled herself very well. It has to be hard with everyone advising her on every tennis related decision in her life. Including the citizenship decision. But it has to be Maria's decision. Not her parents. She's only 15. But she has been bred for this all of her life. So she can handle it. I hope!

Hi CB! Is this your first trip into Russian Roulette? Welcome! :wavey:

Cat, please don`t try to attach to me the words I didn`t say. I didn`t say anything that could be shocking to a reasonable mind. What attitude do you think I should have towards her? Adoration? Admiration? Or maybe worship? Right now I don`t see a single reason why I should root for her. My favourite player of all times is Stefan Edberg. I can give you a list of reasons why. In Masha`s case there`s none.

Masha didn`t achieve anything yet. So why I should root for her on a basis of the tennis merit? When she wins, say, a Grand Slam tournament I will be proud of her even if I personally do not like her. On the other hand I may root for a player who doesn`t have a huge talent and will never make a remarcable tennis career. Elena D is the case for instance. But in that case there are other reasons, apart from tennis, why I`m rooting for that player. Changing citizenship is not among these reasons.

Fresh, Stefan Edberg was my favorite, too! Before Anna Kournikova came along. His last grand slam tournament was the 1996 U.S. Open. Which happened to be Anna's first grand slam tournament. It was as if Stefan handed the favorite tennis player relay baton to Anna! And Anna immediately became my favorite tennis player! :bounce:

Freshy, I'm sorry about my unreasonable mind! :( I hope to be more reasonable in the future! ;)

deal, the cat in the hat ;) :bounce: