Hi everyone!

On my way to Thailand! Was actually supposed to be there already but got a cold a few days ago so had to delay the trip a day.

Personally there's nothing worse than being stuck to the bed for 2 days. Its soo boring! At least I got to go through all these amazing illustration books I got for xmas...the history of Lanvin and Alber Elbaz was one of my favorites. He's certainly one of the most creative and brilliant designers out there. I'm also geared up to watch Valentino's documentary which was a nice little last minute arrival from Santa before the flight.

Wait a minute, did the captain really just say the flying time is 17.5h hours? I think I might need a few more documentaries than one!

Speaking of xmas, Santa certainly didn't disappoint! At all! As a matter of fact he happens to have very good taste! But I am glad the Holidays are over...there is only so much jingle bell songs I can take. And if you live in the States all the decoration and festive begin in the middle of November which is way too early and exaggerated in my opinion but of course it gets you excited.

Anyways my off season has been really good! I'm definitely excited to get back out there and play again. My arm has been feeling really strong and I'm finally going to have a consistent physical therapist next year. He's been part of my team in the last couple years but only part time.

Well that's all I've got for now!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Successful New Year.

Maria

 

Hi everyone! On the plane heading back home...I was definitely mistaken when I thought that South America was just a hop, skip and a jump from the States. Oh no...more like planes, trains and automobiles!

Good thing is that I'm on the last leg of the journey!

The trip went really well, although Gisela and I were glad there wasn't a third event...3 in 3 different countries would have been too much. I was pretty amazed at how organized and well run everything was...the match in Brazil was played at a beautiful resort about an hour and half outside of Sao Paulo. They built this incredible indoor court for mainly VIP's of the resorts owner...I kept saying they built this whole arena just for a tennis match!? Those are the moments when I have to pinch myself.

Surface was a little rough but all in all pretty spectacular. We also got a police escort from the airport which looked something out of a Bond movie...it was actually the first time that Michael would have prefered a helicopter...and that's saying a lot!!

The match in Chile was open to the public and we had a full house in a court that was built in the middle of the park...it was our first match of the season so Gisela and I were quite excited to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The highlight of the trip...yep you knew it was coming....wait for it...the food!! I would kill for a good recipe for that cheese bread (Gisela promised to bring me her recipe to Hong Kong) and that thinly sliced meat off the grill!

And unlike in the States, the portions are not humongous, so you don't feel like you ate for 2 after every meal (which of course Mike and Max were not very happy with...God forbid they skip a meal). Michael was missing in the stands during the Brazil match... We decided it was best not to ask questions but we did find an empty plate of cheese bread in the waiting room which was not so empty when we left to play the match...whoopsies!

Some random notes:

So there I am reading the new book by Dan Brown 'Lost Symbol'  as I was getting treatment after one of my matches in Japan...all of a sudden my name...not Maria but Maria Sharapova is in the book ...around page 74! Almost fell off the table!!

After Japan and China, I went to Napa for a week. One of the best vacations ever! It was all planned last minute and I dragged all my  girlfriends out of their daily activities and we had such a good time. There is a restaurant there called the French Laundry which everyone has been raving to me about over the years...not only did we get a reservation but we got a tour of the kitchen....4 hours and 20 pounds later we rolled out of there like a sourdough bread roll!! We went to a place where you pour your own olive oil into glass canters, picnicked at one of the most beautiful vineyards Quintessa, and had endless conversations in our outdoor living room looking out into the wild...so relaxing!!

The U2 concert a few weeks ago was one of the coolest performances anyone will ever get to see...they are simply amazing!

Well its Christmas time again...and my room is a total upside down workshop. The massage table is now used as a wrapping table. The night stands are card holders. The bathroom has become a fed ex office. Its quite a scene!

Anyways I wish everyone a Happy Holiday season full of many great memories, laughs, and of course great presents!!

Maria
 

Hi everyone, I landed in Tokyo last night and looking forward to playing my last two events of the year!! I have had a good, positive 3 weeks of training and ready to play some matches!

I can't believe that I haven't been here in over 2 years! That should never happen! It never ceases to amaze me how interesting this country is!
Just when you thought they had the best toilets, they get even better!
Haha

Just took a run in the park and happened to pass by a group of 20 children which were clearly fascinated by my height.
I don't speak much Japanese (none at all as a matter of fact) but I thought I overheard them say "ooooh giant" Made me laugh.

Just heading out to practice, but wanted to let you know that all is good! Oh and we're launching the Cole Haan collection tonight... it just hit stores here a week ago.
Apparently one of my shoes is the # 1 selling shoe in all of Cole Haan stores back in the States. Pretty Exciting!!

Not as exciting as its going to be to get back to #1 though!!:)


Maria

Hello Hello!

Summer has finally arrived and I can't tell you how much I love this time of year. Well maybe not the 115 degree weather that I was in a couple weeks ago in Scottsdale, but overall I like everything about it.
Everyone is outside enjoying the summer... speaking of which, not sure what's going on but there's a huge baby boom in MB....every woman is either pregnant or wheeling around a baby.

I have been training quite a bit in the last couple of weeks, trying to build
a good base for the summer, especially my strength and conditioning. I usually never like to do running/sprint workouts but I'm actually learning
to appreciate them. The worst part about them is that there's no way to make it easier, especially when you have a heart rate monitor, which sadly never lies.

Apart from working, I took a 2 day trip to Lake Arrowhead last weekend...it is such an oasis up there...I don't do anything but read (my latest book was The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, really recommend it), ride around on
the boat and listen to Madonna in full blast. I even tried fishing this time, which I learned is a total bore.|

My collection for Cole Haan is coming out end of August and I cannot wait to see it in stores! It's so strange to see something that has been worked on for the whole year, to be finally hitting stores in less than a month. The response from magazine editors has been really positive. The first collection is not too big...only 2 pairs of heels (one which I have already worn to a couple events), 3 boots (the over the knee boot is my fave), and ballet flats in great colors. There are a few different bags as well! (The Hobo is so cool!!) Can you tell how excited I am!! I am writing this as I'm sitting at my fave hole in the wall reflexology place after a long day of practice....why are those types of places always the best!?

Anyways I have a World Team Tennis match coming up in a few days...those are always very fun and entertaining! I never forget how much experience I gained from playing all those matches when I was younger. Oh I've also been meaning to tell you guys how awesome it was to meet Frank Gehry and work on my earrings for the US Open. He has been one of my all time favorite architects and I was so excited when he started making jewelry for Tiffany. I ended up going to his studio a few months ago which was completely surreal! He showed me around all the different sections of his studio, not to mention there were about a 100 of different projects he was working on at the same time! Those are the days where I just have to pinch myself to make sure it's not a dream. Alrighty I'm done with my treatment and headed home for a nice home cooked meal and some good quality mattress time!

Oh and check out my friends new show www.directv.com/thewanted .....I can't wait to watch it with popcorn in hand!!

Maria

We arrived to Paris last night, and it still amazes me how beautiful it is here every single time I arrive.

I am really happy with the way things went last week in Warsaw. Obviously I would like to win every single tournament I play, but to be able to finally compete in a tournament after so many months was just amazing.

The food was fantastic and who would have thought Warsaw is the new Beverly Hills in the paparazzi department!

Anyways I just wanted to send you a quick a hello....

I cannot wait to wear my new dress on court here...it is one of my all time faves! And of course the Tiffany earings...so beautiful! Only hint I can give, is that the color theme is different shades of blue.

I took a day off today, but currently doing my shoulder exercises!  Shouldn't really be typing this right now haha. 

I know it has been a long time, but I wanted my next doodle to be the one my fans were waiting for. I am very happy to report that I will make
my singles return to the tour in Warsaw, Poland, the week of May 18. Although it has not been an easy process these last few months, I really believe it's made me a much stronger person in so many areas of my life professionally and personally. There are so many things you learn while
you are limited to something you love doing. One of those things is patience, not my best virtue, but certainly one of my better ones now.  Self belief...it's important to have a great team and family helping and encouraging you, but unless you are the one believing, it will not happen.
My family and coach have been a tremendous part of this comeback, and I think it's important to acknowledge that without their drive, daily laughs, and endless belief in my ability, I would be sipping a pina colada on a deserted island (not that there's something wrong with that, but playing tennis is just so much more exciting at this stage of my life).

I want to thank all my die hard fans who never stopped believing in me....your letters and messages have been truly inspirational and something that I always looked back to when I had the low moments.

I know it is going to take me a while to get back into the groove of playing tournaments and matches, but I am so excited to be competing again.

On other notes...

My birthday was very low key this year (in terms of who knew about it J)but one of the best ones I've ever had. Full of surprises, friends and family, sunflowers, bonfires, yummy food, red velvet cake, spa treatments, and of course amaaazing presents!!

It's been an on going joke with my friend to answer the phone the day before, the day of, and the few hours after your actual birthday as something like this.....Happy Birthday To ME in Australia, Happy Birthday to Me in Europe, Happy Birthday to Me in Florida, and when it ends, Happy Birthday to Me in Hawaii. This is all considering you're in California. I know, so juvenile, but so much fun!

Apart from that and a shoot week about a month ago, I have been training quite a lot in Florida and as you may well know, there's not much to do here except train and cook. My cooking abilities have certainly risen in the last few months, and I actually find it quite therapeutic. For anyone that says cooking is hard...unless you're cooking in preparation for Russian Easter, where people start cooking the week before, it's actually pretty simple, considering you have decent math and cutting skills.

Speaking of food, I got the amazing opportunity to meet Jose Andres who is an internationally renowned chef from Spain. His restaurant Bazaar is one the best food experiences I've ever had in my life and highly recommend it for anyone in the LA area. He signed a kitchen copy of his cookbook Made in Spain for me and I must admit that was my first ever autograph from anyone. The recipes are brilliant and the tomato gazpacho is one of the best I've ever had...and my Spanish trainer agrees!

I am off to bed as it is past my bedtime but I hope this doodle puts as many smiles on your face, as it gave me to write it.

See you soon!!

Hello there,

I have been training in Florida the last few weeks and really working hard on getting the strength back in my arm. It's really amazing how you can do all the exercises and rehab in the world but nothing substitutes the time you spent on court running and hitting hundreds of balls. The biggest lesson I have learned throughout this whole process is that it takes so much patience to get back to where you were physically. You
are never really going to forget 'how' to hit a tennis ball but what you
do forget is how much work and repitition you must put into every single day in order to get back to where you were. And the only way to get
back into good shape is by playing tennis. Unfortunately just because
the doctor fixes the problem and gives you the green light to practice doesn't mean that you can just go out there playing tournaments. Yesterday I played my first few points with serves in about 6 months which was pretty exciting! Right now I'm aiming for Palm Springs, or Miami, depending on how things shape up. I cannot wait to get back to playing tournaments!

I am finally becoming a steady cook, which doesn't mean much because apparently you only become a good cook when you're a grandmother. Last week I thought I had hit jackpot when I found this super easy recipe for a jelly marmalade. Small problem was that I bought everything I needed except some 'apple pectin powder" which simply didn't exist in any grocery store within a 30 mile radius in Sarasota (they forgot to mention that its almost impossible to find one of the ingredients). I thought I had a perfect substitution but about 3 hours later found out that my 'perfect substitution' was a fake and my marmalade never turned into jelly. Real bummer to say the least.  

I had a shoot for SE last weekend and my whole team of make up, hair, stylist etc was on hand for a really fun weekend. Only one studio exists in Sarasota and with every shoot I do there, more and more costume outfits fill the drawers. I'm afraid to think of what is being shot in there but our group was able to entertain ourselves and come up with some silly outfits ( pictures provided in the photo blog...actually those glasses I'm wearing belong to me and not the closet. They're just clear glass and very dorky but I love them). 

I have had some wonderful bonding time with Dolce...although I don't understand their language, I can probably guarantee he's saying when is she going away.

I never thought I would say this about Sarasota but it is really coming around, with great little boutique restaurants and art galleries. I don't know how many of you live in Sarasota but you should definitely visit Mosaic...its Moroccan/French with great cous cous! Highly recommend it!  

How good was the movie Slumdog Millionaire! I saw it over Thanksgiving and I thought it was brilliant...so happy its getting all the nominations it deserves. And the soundtrack is great! 

That's all for now! xx

I am very very sad to report that I am just not ready to compete at the level required to win a Grand Slam. I have been working very hard over the past few weeks and my shoulder is doing great, but there is way
more preparation and training needed to compete to win my fourth grand slam and I have just ran out of time. If they can move the Australian Open back another 3 weeks, I think I could be ready!! I have very mixed feelings, I am so disappointed and sad that I can't defend my title from last year and at the same time, I am so excited to be back on the tennis court training.

After spending a majority of the last few months in Phoenix/ Scottsdale, it's been nice to spend some time at home with a normal regime of waking up and going to practice. I know that I'm working pretty hard when I need to take little power naps in between practices.

If I may say so myself, I was the official Santa Claus of 2008. I set up little worker shop in my hotel room in Phoenix and one at home for the weekends. I don't know how many presents I wrapped but I never thought I would come to a point when I didn't want to do it anymore. So that lead to a quick stop at Papyrus and a stack of Christmas bags. The shopping on the other hand, I never get tired of. I was helping out all of my guy friends and their shopping lists. Shopping with or around men is
a nightmare to begin with, but during X-mas time its a complete disaster. They're constantly complaining about the prices at the checkout. Their go-to is usually gift certificates which I have a problem with because there is absolutely no thought or meaning behind it. Others just walk around the stores saying Bahh Humbaa..

My grandmother was in town for quite a bit which led to a few things...cooking  and doing non-stop jigsaw puzzles. There is only one thing that separates my cooking and my grandmas. You see when she's in the kitchen it seems like no one is there. When I'm cooking, I let the whole world know! There's flour all over the kitchen counters and ten feet away on the floor, I call everyone to let them know I'm cooking, and I finish that off with a mass email to my friends with a picture of what I cooked. And its always around the time the cleaner comes in. I guess I'm also leaving out one minor difference between the two: her tastes A LOT better.

Quote goes to Natalie when the paparazzi were following us around in NY. 'Do they always make conversation with you like that?' Yep, there's a very open dialogue when they're snapping your picture and no it's not normal.

As far as music I have a new favorite..Michael Franti...you have to check out his songs 'Say Hey' and 'Never Too Late'. The Killers new album is amazing! Song four is my fave on the album.

On another note, I wanted to let everyone know that I started working with a new Nike design team end of last year and have been working very hard on this years dresses. I cannot wait to play in them and unfortunately will have to debut the Australian dress a little later. There will be six of them altogether, changing colors in between the grand slams. The color palette is stunning and starting in 2010 you will see some really cool graphics.

I want to thank all my fans for their support, especially all my fans in Australia, I promise I will be there next year.

Maria