Sharapova ready to return from break at Cincinnati

MASON, Ohio — Maria Sharapova says she's still working through a minor leg injury.

The second-ranked Sharapova hasn't played since Wimbledon, where she lost to Serena Williams in the semifinals July 9. She was supposed to return last week in Toronto but withdrew after getting hurt in training.

"I'm feeling better, but I'm still working through it," she said Monday.

She plans to come back at the Western & Southern Open outside Cincinnati this week.

"I always enjoy my little break after Wimbledon," she said. "I love the summer."

Sharapova is 34-7 and has won two titles this season, which leaves her far from satisfied.

"Even when I've been healthy, little things here and there have limited me," she said.

She feels fortunate to be second in the rankings behind Williams, who will go into the U.S. Open trying to win the first Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988.

"Consistency is very underrated, but it goes a long way," Sharapova said. "She has an incredible power to do that. The competitive thing is very unique. She has that extra gear that everybody wants to get."

(Sources from Philstar.com and Philippinemavericks.com)