Maria Sharapova took part in a round-table conference with reporters at Madrid on Monday
- "This has been an extraordinary year, I’ve been consistent throughout the year, winning my second major..."
- "Next year, I think experience is going to help me. Besides, my body is still growing, so in the following years I’ll be more comfortable with the tough competition."
- "Favorite? Of course I’m going to say myself as the favorite [to win the tournament]. I’ve played consistently since the U.S. Open and won a couple of tournaments in the current indoor season."
- "Of course everyone’s tired. I don’t think anyone will play an extraordinary tennis. I’m not super-fresh, it’s definitely not a vacation out there."
- "I’m used to the flashes, photographs and all that paparazzi stuff. I know it’s part of being a tennis player and I can’t control it."
- "I was watching Real Madrid’s game, with the crazy fans – there were almost 80,000 – and I thought ‘What are we doing wrong?’"