Maria Sharapova is the best tennis player to emerge from Russia – EVER! The likes of Kournikova, Kuznetsova, Dementieva and Zvonareva have all had potential to be big-time winners but Sharapova's attitude has been to have a 'can do' approach to the game. She is a credit to women’s tennis and although she has been known to be a bit of a diva at times, nobody can argue with her success on the court and her so-called attitude has made her into the champion she is today.

She is ready to take back her No.1 crown from Justine Henin and if she stays fit for the rest of the year then this should come sooner rather than later.

Only losing two times in the first four months of the season has helped Sharapova move up the rankings, and a few weeks ago the Russian even won her first clay court tournament and so goes into the French Open run-up in full confidence – it is the only Grand Slam she has failed to win in her illustrious career.

‘Sharapova's grunting has also concerned many of her opponents ... The Williams sisters are always making noises, and not only from the bling they wear around their necks’


She must be one of the favourites and her attitude towards the other players is one of 'I am the best'. Believing in yourself and your abilities against all other opponents is what makes great champions and Sharapova has this inner belief in her game that she can defeat everyone she plays, even if it doesn't always work out that way.

It’s true that there are other players in great form at the moment, especially Serena Williams who defeated Sharapova in three sets in Charleston at the weekend. Vera Zvonareva is also playing really well, coming back from an injury-plagued 2007 to move within an inch of regaining a top 10 position. But Sharapova’s ‘can do' attitude will surely make her champion at Roland Garros and move her closer to the No.1 spot in the WTA world rankings.

Sharapova's grunting has also concerned many of her opponents. Many feel it is off-putting on the court and that Sharapova uses it to distract her rivals in a form of gamesmanship. However, many stars of the tennis tour have 'grunted' their way to success – just look at Monica Seles. If you have always made a noise when hitting shots then it is very difficult to stop it midway through your career, and to say that her rivals are quiet is very naive.