May 25, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1429

PARIS, May 24: Maria Sharapova hopes to battle through a wearying summer and still be in peak condition when she makes her Olympics debut in Beijing.

The world number one faces a gruelling run-up to the Games with the French Open, which starts on Sunday, followed by Wimbledon as well as American hardcourt events in July.

The Games tennis event starts on Aug 10 with the US Open scheduled to begin on Aug 25 in New York, the week after the Olympics close.

“It’s a big challenge, especially if you do well at Wimbledon. You need to be smart about the events you play before the Olympics because you want to go into the Games having a few matches under your belt, but I’ll be coming off the seven to eight week stretch of being on the road,” said Sharapova.

The top seed here has already suffered wear and tear this year pulling out of her scheduled Italian Open semi-final against Jelena Jankovic last week because of a calf strain.

“It’s really about smart decisions and listening to your body,” said the Russian.

“When the schedule was made, it was known that that’s the way it’s going to be. You’re not going to change the Olympics. It’s an honour to play there and it’s been a dream of mine.

“So whatever it will take I’ll make sure I’ll be there and do the best that I can.”

Sharapova, who was promoted to the world number one spot when reigning French Open champion Justine Henin retired last week, begins her bid to win a first Roland Garros title against compatriot Evgeniya Rodina.

—AFP