Sharapova on playing in Hawaii: "I think it will be a really fun experience"

Earlier in November, Maria Sharapova confirmed that she will be playing at the Hawaii Open which takes place from 26th to 28th of December 2019.

Sharapova did not play a lot of matches during the 2019 season as she was still troubled by an injury. Out of 15 matches played, she won 8 and holds 131st position in WTA Ranking. She will open the 2020 season with an exhibition event in Hawaii.

“Any excuse to come to Hawaii is a really good excuse, but especially when you get to play something that you love and is your profession. I've never played there, I’ve never competed there, so I actually think it will be a really fun experience. This will really be a work trip for me, and it’s probably one of the most important parts of the season."

Many star names will join her in Hawaii including 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu, Taylor Fritz, Angelique Kerber or Kei Nishikori.

"It’s right after an off-season where you do a lot of training, and you’re looking to go to Australia (for the Australian Open in January) and be in really good shape."

Sharapova spoke about why she loves to spend time in a warm enviroment which dates back to her childhood and teenage times.

"I grew up always being by the water—my childhood on the black sand of Sochi, and then I spent my early years and teenage years in Florida, so I was on the Gulf of Mexico, and then in California.

"I’ve always preferred to be in a warm environment with a beautiful humid climate, even though the summers are sometimes brutal, but I much prefer it to the winters. On my last trip, we took drives along the lava rocks and we had this beautiful meal overlooking some of the lava flows— experiences have been, having not been there that many times, really memorable”.

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