The Saturday Interview: Russian Doll Doll ; She Breezed in From Siberia Like a Breath of Fresh Air but Now Intends to Take Birmingham by Storm with the Dfs Classic Starting On Monday, Maria Sharapova Tells Hyder Jawad Why She Feels so Comfortable On the Grass Courts of Edgbaston Priory

Birmingham Post › June 05, 2004

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Summary

Problems with airtraffic control delayed her arrival at Birmingham International Airport but, fresh from a protracted flight from Paris, Maria Sharapova still appeared unflustered and resplendent.

It is often at times like this, when frustration is easier to express than relief, that the mark of true elegance is most evident. She is 17, blonde, pretty, statuesque, prosperous and already one of the world's top 20 women tennis players.

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The Saturday Interview: Russian Doll Doll ; She Breezed in From Siberia Like a Breath of Fresh Air but Now Intends to Take Birmingham by Storm with the Dfs Classic Starting On Monday, Maria Sharapova Tells Hyder Jawad Why She Feels so Comfortable On the Grass Courts of Edgbaston Priory

In such a context, attention is not hard to find. 'You wouldn't believe some of the crazy fanmail I get,' she says, laughing with enthusiasm. 'But it is better not to talk about that.' Cue more laughter.

Sharapova made what is considered to be her breakthrough performances at the DFS Classic last year and, consequently, has a lot of sentimental value for Edgbaston Priory, Birmingham and England. The feelings are mutual.

When she cut a swathe through her quarter of the draw at the French Open last week...

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