Sharapova upbeat before Pan Pacific Open

TOKYO (AFP) –

Maria Sharapova of Russia plays during the charity tennis clinic with children from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami disaster hit area, one day before the Pan Pacific Open tennis in Tokyo. Sharapova beamed with confidence and hailed a “tremendous” 2012, ahead of the Pan Pacific Open in Japan where she aims to reclaim the title.

French Open champion Maria Sharapova beamed with confidence Saturday and hailed a “tremendous” 2012, ahead of the Pan Pacific Open in Japan where she aims to reclaim the title.

“In careers and in life, many things sometimes come together,” said the power hitter, as she prepared for the Tokyo tournament starting Sunday that will feature 19 of the top 20 female players.

“This year has been a tremendous year for me with so many experiences and things that I really wanted to achieve, especially when I was going through my injury,” she said ahead of the $2.17 million event.

The Russian was referring to a potentially career-ending shoulder injury that sidelined her for nine months during 2008 and 2009.

“To be back here… healthy and number two in the world, I am really looking forward to it,” said Sharapova, who won the tournament in 2009 and 2005. “It is a tough event, so many of the top players are here.”

This year her triumph at Roland Garros lifted her temporarily to the top of the world rankings.

Having also won the silver medal at the London Olympics, Sharapova said she was determined to end her dazzling season on a positive note by winning the Pan Pacific Open.