Sharapova poised to reclaim crown

Maria Sharapova will attempt to complete her long journey back from the wilderness at Wimbledon this afternoon when she takes on Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova for the women’s singles crown.

The 24-year-old Russian fifth seed is the overwhelming favourite to reclaim the title that she won for the first time in 2004, when as a fresh-faced teenager she took the All England Club by storm.

Sharapova’s victory seven years ago was followed by further Grand Slam titles at the Australian and US Opens by the time she turned 21.

But Sharapova’s march to the summit of women’s tennis has been blown off course since 2007, when a serious shoulder injury led to a long lay-off which led many to wonder if she could ever be the same player.

Yet, this season has provided the first solid proof that Sharapova is ready once more to fulfill her vast potential, with a semi-final run at the French Open followed by her serene progress into the Wimbledon final.

With Serena and Venus Williams showing signs of decline, Justine Henin retired and Kim Clijsters injured, there is a vacancy at the top of the women’s game that Sharapova looks equipped to fill.

Sharapova has yet to drop a set en route to the final, and confidently disposed of the big-serving German wildcard Sabine Lisicki in the semi-final, winning in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.

She is bracing for a sterner challenge from Kvitova, the 21-year-old Czech challenger who is appearing in a Grand Slam final for the first time.

“I expect her to be a really tough opponent because she’s a really good grass court player,” said Sharapova, who won her only previous meeting with Kvitova on hard court at Memphis last year.

Kvitova is the first left-hander to make the final at the All England Club since her childhood inspiration Martina Navratilova in 1990.

“I saw Martina in the locker room and she wished me good luck. I’m so happy but I don’t really believe I am in the final,” said Kvitova, who upset fourth seed Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the final.