TELECOM MASTERS ITALIA

May 10, 2005

Maria Sharapova

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yeah, overall, I don't think I played great tennis. I was making too many errors at the beginning of the match. You know, as the match went on, I was feeling a little bit better with my strokes. But, you know, first matches are never easy. I was trying to get my timing going out there. But, you know, I thought I was just making too many errors overall.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: No, I don't see a reason why I should feel any pressure. But, I mean, it's -- first matches are always tough. You're in, you know, a new environment, and different clay compared to Berlin - a lot faster and the bounce is a lot different. So I was trying tto, you know, find the timing But, you know, it has nothing to do with pressure.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I think there is because the red clay is a lot different in Europe than it is in the States. So I think -- plus, you're in the same time zone, which it makes it a lot easier when you come to the tournament.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: No, not really. I just work individually with my team, with my dad and my trainer and my sparring partner. I just use the facility over there.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Well, if I have enough time, I -- there is so many things to see, so I love visiting Rome. There is -- on every corner there is something new to see. The people are very expressive. There are so many people around. It's just a really good vibe when you walk around the city. But, of course, you know, you will see me shopping, too. But first I want to win the tournament, then I'll hopefully have a few days where I can go and visit.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yeah. Over the net, yeah.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yeah, well, I'm really bad at it (laughing). But it's fun, yeah, so that's why I do it.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: No, it's not a problem. You know, I know there are a lot of fans wherever I go. But, you know, I know they're very anxious to see me, but it's difficult because I know I have to go on the court and I have to, you know, play my game and I have to get off. But, you know, that's the only thing the fans see, is the way I play. But I'm, you know -- it's -- of course it makes it harder because, you know, they only see you when you play and compete, but they also want to, you know, interact with you and get to know you better. But there's so many fans, it's very difficult to do.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Well, I'm really just worried about the next round. I can't worry about who I'm going to play in the final; it's a long way to go. So I just have to focus one match at a time.