PARIS, June 8: Maria Sharapova will put her French Open mauling behind her to concentrate on reclaiming the Wimbledon title she won in 2004.

The world No 2 Russian suffered a shock 6-2, 6-1 Roland Garros semi-final defeat to Serbia's Ana Ivanovic but insisted she was looking forward to returning to the faster grasscourts which suit her more than the slow clay of Paris where she described her movement as being like 'a cow on ice'.

However, the shoulder injury which caused so much disruption to her French Open build-up is still a concern.

“I have to keep it under control. Every day is going to be different, there are going to be some tough matches and I might have to rest more on the days in between,” said Sharapova.

“I think I have done a good job of monitoring it.”

But she is counting on her affection for the All England Club to help ease the misery of her semi-final defeat here which still leaves the French Open as the only Grand Slam tournament where she has yet to reach the final.

“I can't even say how happy I am when this time of year comes round. I always think at the beginning of the year that I hope I am healthy for Wimbledon,” said the world No 2.

“It's a special place in my career and in my heart.”

Meanwhile, Sharapova will play at next week's Birmingham Classic after accepting a wildcard for the Wimbledon warm-up event, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said on Friday.

The other beaten Roland Garros semi-finalist, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, will also play in Birmingham.—Agencies