An Australian Open wildcard looks set to cheer up Maria Sharapova after her shock Brisbane International first-round loss compounded a horror build-up that included a trip to the hospital.
The five-time grand slam champion cut a forlorn figure after the wildcard was bounced out of the Brisbane International by American qualifier Jennifer Brady in three tough sets on Tuesday night.
And her mood only got worse when asked about her lead-up, revealing she had been hospitalised ahead of the Brisbane tournament due to a stomach bug.
But the Russian 32-year-old hinted that she would soon get a shot in the arm, saying she expected to receive a wildcard for the year’s opening grand slam.
“I think so, yeah,” she said.
“I think I’m going to get one.”
Asked if she had officially been told a wildcard was on her way, Sharapova said: “You can ask (Tennis Australia CEO) Craig Tiley, I think he knows better.”
If anyone needed a helping hand ahead of the Australian Open, it is Sharapova.
The former world No.1 is fighting her way back after being frustrated by a recurring shoulder complaint that has plagued her since serving a doping ban, limiting her to just eight events and 15 matches in 2019.
But it wasn’t her troublesome right shoulder that caused problems before the Brisbane International, her first tournament since last September’s US Open.
Sharapova – now ranked world No.147 – said her preparation had been hampered by a stomach virus that sent her to the hospital.
“I’ve been fighting virus for a couple weeks and ended up in the hospital the other day, so that wasn’t fun,” she said.
“I just couldn’t keep anything in (but) that’s the extent that I’m going to share with you.”
Despite her nightmare build-up, Sharapova initially didn’t show any signs of rust in her opening clash with world No.53 Brady.
However, the more the American qualifier fought the more Sharapova fatigued on Brisbane’s stadium court.
Still, Sharapova thought the signs were good ahead of the Australian Open.
“I think I’m always disappointed because it’s a result-oriented sport but I have to be proud of my effort,” she said.
“Yes there are a lot of improvements I need to make but I fought really hard.
“Just getting out there and playing after having a rough couple of days, I think is a really good effort.
“I think I did a lot better than I expected of my body.”