Maria Sharapova: going for gold at the IPTL

Russian ace Maria Sharapova will play for the Japan Warriors in this year’s IPTL

Maria Sharapova is one of the first names that comes to mind when women’s tennis is mentioned. A legend in her own right, the talented champion has been playing at the top of her form for the past few years.

With a very robust track record, the mostly unbeatable veteran has had a successful career in the International Premier Tennis League. Called the Iron Maiden and Russian Steel for her indomitable spirit and unforgiving style of play, Sharapova has gone from strength to strength.

While she was a part of the Manila Mavericks side in the last edition of the International Premier Tennis League, she will be playing for the Japan Warriors this year.

Accompanied by other tennis greats, including Japanese prodigies Kei Nishikori and Kurumi Nara, Sharapova should be able to steer her side to a smattering victory at the International Premier Tennis League. Other team members include the talented Vasek Pospisil, homegrown tennis ace Leander Paes and the combined talents of Daniela Hantuchova, Lucas Pouille and Marat Safin.

The entire tennis scene will be bustling, since all the greats of the sport will be in one place. With big names attached to the IPTL like Roger Federer, Sania Mirza, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and many more, the tournament is set to be a high-octane event with the best players from all over the world participating.

While the International Premier Tennis League is a budding platform for new players and veterans of the game, it is also a place for the greats to showcase their talents, and for newbies to watch and learn. With a team that can very well go against most teams in the league and win, to boot, the Japan Warriors might just take the cup home.

With a leader with experience like Sharapova, the team is a strong unit with different playing styles.

While Sharapova had a ho-hum season at the International Tennis Premier League last year, she will be looking to make it big this time. Her last team was the Manila Mavericks, and this time, she must turn her game around, in order to at least make it to the semi finals. Finishing their 2014 season in third place with 35 points, the Mavericks put up a decent performance, but could have done much better.

However, what we're looking forward to is how Sharapova will perform under pressure, especially after viewing her previous matches. With her long standing experience as one of the best female players of the game, she can definitely get her team on the right track and see them through to the finals.