US OPEN

August 26, 2003

Maria Sharapova

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Maria, please.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I always just try to be myself. I don't worry about who people think I am. You know, in myself, I know I'm Maria, nobody else. You know, what's around me, they can talk and they can say anything. But I just want to do my own thing. I'm Maria Sharapova and not anyone else.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I mean, the match went really well, I think. First of all, I'm playing against a Spanish player. Especially for me, I don't think it's really easy to play a Spanish player. I mean, she hits slice, spin, this, that. You really got to be physically ready. I think I came out and I was really ready for that kind of play. I didn't let her do what she likes to do. I just played my game. I think she had a little trouble with that. She couldn't play the way she likes to play.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Well, I know I've played her in doubles quite a few times, but I've never played her in singles. In doubles, you know, I've always played three sets against them. They're unbelievable doubles partners. They're so good. Playing singles, you know, it's a different story, of course. But, I mean, she's a really nice girl. She's really friendly all the time on the tour. I mean, really a good girl.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I haven't been working on that at all (laughter). I just play tennis out there. I don't really -- I don't think about what's going on. It was just one match in my career that, you know, somebody said something. I mean, since Wimbledon or since Birmingham, I haven't got one complaint. I think it was just the media that really wanted to make a big fuss about it. I'm just playing tennis. It's the last thing I want on my mind. It is the last thing that's on my mind.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Well, you know, it's their decision. I can't do anything about that. So, you know, if they want me to play on Armstrong, I think that's great. I love playing on that court. I never played on it. I played Arthur Ashe Kids Day. The big stadium is just so big. Going into Armstrong is really nice. It's a really great court.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: I don't think it's really important to be the babe of tennis. I don't really care about that. I'm there to play tennis. That's my number one priority on the court. Regarding the dress, I mean, when I go on court, I like to feel good about myself. I mean, the dress is a fun way of showing that I'm creative and I can really wear that stuff. I'm really happy to be wearing it. You know, to be a babe, that's like the last thing on my mind, even if I'm wearing the dress.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Yes, it is. When you're stepping on the court, you've got to serve first point, I mean, everybody is still walking around at the stadium like it's not a match. You have to wait maybe five seconds for them to calm down and take their seats (laughter). I think at other tournaments it's a little bit more proper. I really think this is great, just for the people to come out and just be so happy to watch the tennis. I think it's great, especially in New York, busy town, crazy fans. It's great.