Maria Sharapova will be expected to beat Angelique Kerber today, as she continues her bid to land an historic double, but is taking nothing for granted.
The Russian, seeded five at Wimbledon, is an overwhelming favourite to defeat the German in their third-round clash after winning her last 11 matches, which included the final of the French Open.
However, Kerber, the ninth seed, reached the Eastbourne final and both players have reached the last 16 of all three Grand Slams this year — two of just four women who can boast such a record since January.
No matter what Kerber has achieved, the chance of adding Wimbledon to the French title is what makes Sharapova the focal point today. “This is only my second time trying to do that,” said Sharapova, who failed in her double bid in 2012. “The transition, it’s no secret, it’s very difficult. But I’m quite happy with the way I have gone about things so far. You never know what to expect and each match poses its different challenges.
“I am happy I’ve gone further than last year [when she beaten in the second round], erasing those memories and trying to form new ones.”
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Kerber said: “I have nothing to lose and I will go out there and try to enjoy the match. I need to play at a high level to beat her.”
