In between taking tennis history lessons since arriving at the All England Club for the very first time, wide-eyed West Australian Astra Sharma has also taken time out to reflect on the reality she’s actually in the Wimbledon draw.
“It’s been unreal. I did not expect this at the start of the year, so everything is kind of a bonus,” Sharma said.
“Walking around the grounds, seeing all the names and the pictures behind the whole tournament, it’s been an amazing experience.”
An experience the 23-year-old could never have imagined after starting the season ranked 231st in the world.
But after qualifying for the Australian Open and beating compatriot Priscilla Hon in the first round, then backing up her grand slam debut by reaching her maiden WTA final in Bogota, suddenly Sharma finds herself among the elite.
The world No.85 is still pinching herself and savouring the chance to soak up the rich history and aura of the All England Club.
After all, the late bloomer has never before even set foot inside the gates.
“I had my coach explain to me some of the players like (1939 champion) Alice Marble and how she was the pioneer in women’s tennis and everything,” Sharma said.
“And just seeing, like, Bjorn Borg, the number of times he’s won and then Federer and the Williams sisters between them.
“When you see (the honour rolls) there right in front of you year after year, it’s kind of mind-blowing how they sustained that amazing elite consistent performance for so long.”
Sharma makes her Wimbledon debut on Monday against 27th seed Sofia Kenin, the American who took out Serena Williams at the French Open last month to announce herself on the big stage.
“I’m really excited. Obviously I have a lot of respect for her. She had a really good claycourt season and also has been doing very well on the grass,” Sharma said.
“I know she’s going to be dangerous but, at the same time, I’m feeling really good on the practice court and can’t wait to get out there and try to compete against her.
“I know I’m going to have to play really well to beat her and I think the same goes for her; she’s going to have to play pretty well to beat me.
“At this level, from the first round to the semi-finals, the level’s so high that sometimes it’s just such small margins that determine a match.”
