Sharapova eyes US Open defence

SAN DIEGO: Maria Sharapova was feeling confident about her US Open defence after beating Patty Schnyder to win the San Diego Classic on Sunday.

Sharapova won the San Diego title 12 months ago, finding the rhythm which carried her to the last grand slam title of the year at Flushing Meadows. 

"After winning here and then winning the Open, you want to do the same thing," the world number two told reporters. "Last year I won here and went to In and Out Burger, and this year I want to get in the car, go there again and drive the same way."   

Hampered by a shoulder injury all year, Sharapova had struggled to find her best form until San Diego. 

She was crushed by Serena Williams in the Australian Open final, by Ana Ivanovic in the French Open semi-finals and by Venus Williams in the fourth round of Wimbledon.

But after taking a rest and abbreviating her service action to ease her shoulder pain, the Russian found her stride in San Diego, only dropping one set and beating a number of good opponents, including Tatiana Golovin, Sania Mirza, Anna Chakvetadze and Schnyder.

"All girls those can be very dangerous, but you can run into someone ranked 50 or 60 who has nothing to lose and plays her best against you," Sharapova said.  

"I never underestimate any opponent. I have to concentrate on what I have to do and not what they are doing, because if you strongly believe in what you are doing, you are in good hands."   

Sharapova will be the top seed at next week''s tournament in Los Angeles before taking two weeks off to prepare for the U.S. Open which starts on Aug. 27.

"I have to maintain and improve," she said. "I''m hoping to find a high level and be fresh."