‘Superstitious’ Sharapova’s on-court customs demonstrate ‘obsessive-compulsive’

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova's on-court antics verge on obsessive-compulsive, as between points, she stands with her back to the baseline, head down, studying her racquet strings, which signifies an arrogant pose, according to an article in an Australian daily. It is if Sharapova expects a match, but not engagement, with her opponent or the crowd. She also avoids stepping on lines or other court markings, News.com.au reports. On Rod Laver arena, the helpful Melbourne logo at one end presents a particularly tricky footwork problem. Even by the superstitious standards of elite sportsfolk, these are eccentric mannerisms, the paper further reported. But there is more. When making for her chair at breaks, Sharapova deliberately steers via the mazy junction of service and sidelines, a minefield. It is as if, within her unusual formula, she is setting herself a particular challenge, the paper said. Sharapova admits to being superstitious, also in pre and post-match habits, and even in choice of dress, it added. Sharapova said that over the years, a player finds a routine that works for him/her and the player certainly likes to stick with it. In four matches, Sharapova has lost only five games, the fewest by any player ever to reach the quarterfinals here, the paper added.

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