Maria Sharapova admitted she is still struggling for consistency in her performances after a disappointing exit at the Australian Open.
Sharapova was sent packing 6-2, 6-3 by Germany's Andrea Petkovic on Sunday and the former champion admitted it was just one of those days where nothing seemed to work. Sharapova is still struggling to find her best form consistently match after match.
“I was happy that I was down the last two matches and able to find the level again and do the right things to win the match and pick it up,” she reflected. “I wasn't able to bring that today. I think that's I didn't build on what I gained in the last two matches. I think that's really important, something that maybe has been lacking a little bit.”
Sharapova's decision to replace long-term coach Michael Joyce with Thomas Hogstedt ahead of the tournament attracted attention with some pundits describing it as a strange decision before a major event. However Sharapova said she was simply trying to get some fresh ideas.
“I just felt like I needed a little bit of a fresher voice and a different perspective, not someone that's going to come in and change my game or do something drastic,” she explained.
“I brought in Thomas because one of the things is because I knew him over the last few years. I've gotten to know him working with him a little bit with (Robin) Haase at the academy in Florida. He brings a really good work ethic to the table, which is important. Last year I felt like I was lacking a little bit of that because of the results that I just wasn't getting or wanted to do better and was getting a little bit down on myself.”
“He's really a positive influence. You know, really believes in me. He's watched me play throughout the years. Yeah, he's really professional. He knows I'm a pretty private person, and he sticks to what he feels he needs to do on the court.”
