Maria Sharapova’s loud battle cries in her matches may have a gladiatorial element to them and the former world No 1 looked right at home inside the Colosseum. Th e Russian posed for a number of pictures inside the iconic amphitheatre and was joined by world No 14 Tomas Berdych. Sharapova appeared relaxed as she was snapped from a number of angles and will be looking to perform when her Italian Open begins yesterday.
Th e 30-year-old will open up on centre court against American Christina McHale in the prestigious red clay tournament. Sharapova was given a wildcard slot for the event and takes to the stage in the round of 64. Many players have voiced their displeasure at Sharapova being given what they deem to be an easy ride back following her ban for taking a banned substance.
Eugenie Bouchard went as far as to say Sharapova should never be allowed to compete again after being found to a be a ‘cheater’. But the Russian’s return to action has run relatively smoothly after making it to the semi-fi nals of the Stuttgart Open. She then suff ered defeat in the Madrid Open secondround to Bouchard and will be keen to get back on track in Rome as the French Open edges closer.
