Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova will begin the countdown to defending her title at the All-England Club in Wimbledon with an appearance at the DFS Classic in Birmingham starting on Monday. The 18-year-old's rise to stardom and a first Grand Slam title began with an unexpected victory on the Birmingham grass at Edgbaston Priory last year.
Since then, by her own admission she has embarked on an incredible journey.
"It has been a pretty amazing year," said the Russian. "I look at what has happened and I can't quite believe it.
"But it is real, the statistics are there to prove it, and I have to keep moving on, appreciate everything and try to improve."
While she may still be basking in the glow of events 12 months ago, Sharapova also has a steely determination to ensure she retains her Wimbledon crown.
"It is the best tournament in the world," she added. "It just gives you
that extra-special feeling and I want to win it as many times as I can."
Despite being still a teenager, Sharapova has shown maturity beyond her years during her rise to one of the most recognisable faces in world sport.
She said: "I don't consider it my life. If I was not enjoying it I would not be here.
"It is my career and I enjoy it but a lot of other things are more important to me than tennis.
"It is my job but it is not my life. Health and family are the most important things in my life.
"Being able to have your mum and dad supporting you is important as well as your health and with that comes happiness.
"It is really not about tennis or money. It is about the people around you."
Sharapova has also come to accept that she cannot go anywhere in the world now without being recognised.
Sharapova has a bye in the first round at the DFS and will face either Tatiana Perebiynis of the Ukraine or Anne Kremer of Luxembourg when she launches her campaign in the second round on Tuesday.
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