Russian phenomenon-in-waiting Maria Sharapova made two big statements at the French Open on Friday.
Fortunately the one she delivered on court -- a spontaneous squeal of delight after beating compatriot Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 -- was a lot more convincing than the pre-prepared comments with which she began her post-match news conference.
"First of all I am very happy to be in the fourth round of the French Open this year," Sharapova commenced. "This match was definitely a little breakthrough for me.
"She's definitely a great player and I have so much respect for her," the 17-year-old added, before concluding: "I am very excited. Other than that, it's great being here and talking to you after I won."
The six-foot Siberian's slender frame, long blonde hair and eye-catching looks evoke obvious comparisons with her famous compatriot Anna Kournikova.
She is clearly a marketing man's dream and last November signed with sports agents IMG Models.
Florida-based Sharapova also speaks excellent English.
It is a delicate balancing act but the danger for those handling her is that in their rush to protect her image they stifle her natural personality.
When the inevitable K-word was brought up, Sharapova's response sounded like a plea.
"I always say that I just want to be myself and I'm sure all the Russians and all individuals want to be themselves.
"They don't want to be compared to anyone because every individual is different and so am I."
Unlike Kournikova, who has never won a senior tour singles event, Sharapova already has two WTA titles to her name. The teenager's composed display on her centre court debut suggested she is a genuine contender for the Roland Garros title.
Number 18 Sharapova is the second highest seed left in her quarter of the draw following the exit of defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne and compatriot Nadia Petrova.
If she overcomes Germany's Marlene Weingaertner, ranked 94 in the world, in the fourth round, Sharapova will surpass her best Grand Slam display to date -- reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon last year.
IMPRESSIVE ASPECT
On court, Sharapova's piercing forehand, usually accompanied by her trademark high-pitch grunt, proved too much for 10th seed Zvonareva, who beat Venus Williams en route to the quarter-finals last year at Roland Garros.
The most impressive aspect was the way she recovered so quickly after double-faulting at 6-5 in the second set to lose serve.
Sharapova quickly put the setback behind her to play, in her own words, "an amazing tiebreak", establishing a 4-0 lead before sealing the win on her first match point when Zvonareva netted.
"I have had a few matches in past tournaments where I was in that kind of situation and I didn't finish the match off when I needed to," the Russian explained.
"The joy just comes from knowing that you've played a solid game and knowing that you're at Roland Garros playing on Philippe Chatrier (centre) court and you've just won.
"It's my first time so I definitely want to savour those moments."
