Clik here to view.
“While I’m disappointed that I won’t be competing in this year’s U.S. Open, I know that I did everything possible to repair my muscles in time, but it was ultimately just not possible,” Sharapova shared with SELF today. “The U.S. Open is one of my favorite tournaments of the year, but I will look forward and work hard to recover in the coming months in time for the Asian tour. Being a professional athlete is about listening to your body, and knowing when to rest and when to push.”
The tennis champ and SELF contributing editor made a big announcement on Sunday declaring she was not playing in the U.S Open this year. The decision wasn’t easy, and she took to her website to share some of her raw emotions:
…He is one of the couple hundred people watching my practice on the eve of this U.S. Open. It’s remarkable. I ask my coach to take a panorama picture, it’s not one for the frame though. I am surrounded by families, their kids, grandparents. Somewhere in the mix, might even be the coach of my next opponent, scouting. Don’t waste your time, it won’t be me.
Back to the kid, I just want to whisper in his ear, “I am not only finished with practice, but my 2015 U.S. Open is finished without any beginning.” It’s my little secret but I don’t want to let anyone down.
I don’t want to get up from this chair, but I know this is the end of my U.S. Open campaign. I’ve got these eerie invisible elfs floating around my head, is this really an appropriate time for Harry Potter flashbacks? Come back later please!
On her site she mentioned a panorama picture she asked her coach to take of this final practice—and she sent us what was captured from that day. Read her full post here.
Clik here to view.
Sharapova ended her original post with a positive note: “New York City, this wasn’t my year but I will be back!” Maria, we can’t wait to watch and cheer you on when you return!
The post EXCLUSIVE: Maria Sharapova Opens Up About Her U.S. Open Withdrawal appeared first on SELF.
