Tennis: Let them eat cake but not too much, or they'll get fat

Maria Sharapova tells Andrew Threlfall it is a personal duty to have a good body:


I believe that you can't keep us Russians away from space travel for too long. Perhaps this explains why I drive a Range Rover - I like to think that it is rather like a space shuttle, looking down from above on all the other traffic.

I believe that it's a personal responsibility to have a nice physique. It affects your confidence and how you feel about yourself.

I believe in clothes. I have loved them ever since I was little. I'm a huge fan of Marc Jacob.

I believe that I need to be close to nature. I live by the beach.

I believe that you should communicate daily with those close to you. I'm always, always, on the phone or sending texts to my friends.

I believe that tennis success depends on how much you want to learn and want to improve.

I believe that children's books are a great source of learning, even for adults. Everything is just so positive.

I believe that culturally London is second to none. I love the historic buildings, but what I prefer is to walk down the street and observe how people talk and interact. It's fascinating.

I believe that it would be amazing to see the Earth from the perspective of outer space. Can you imagine picking out the Great Wall of China? I went there last year. I didn't realise that there were so many steps, so it turned into a very long walk.

I believe that it is a thrill for any sportsperson to go and see other sports being played at the highest level.

I know footballers who would love to get on a tennis court with me, but they are probably going to be terrible, and it's the same with me if I kick a football around with them. When I shoot I never know if it's going to go left, right or in the middle.

I believe that everyone should watch what they eat. I do. I try not to eat too much sugary food and I have to keep an eye on mixing the right levels of carbs with protein. It can be a problem but it's not like I ever see a cake and think, "Oh, I can't eat it." Of course I'm going to eat it.

I believe that practice makes perfect. I'm out on the court for up to six hours a day, and then every couple of days I'll be in the gym working with weights. I do a lot of stretching exercises.

I believe that I am very lucky because I'm tall and have a thin body. For some people who are more muscular, it is impossible to be thin.

I believe that I will figure out in the near future how to open a tennis school in the part of Siberia that I'm from.

I believe strongly that we should help others in need, for example when something like the tsunami happens. I remember meeting people in Bangkok who were flying in from the affected areas and it was very moving. It was total chaos. It was very emotional.

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