Maria Sharapova Trains at Thanyapura Phuket Ahead of WTA Finals

World number two tennis sensation Maria Sharapova recently limbered up for the upcoming BNP Paribas WTA Finals 2014 in Singapore from 17-26 October with a 7-day training camp at Thanyapura Phuket.

"It's my second time to Phuket," Ms Sharapova said. "I actually came here on holiday a few years ago. I had a great holiday with my friends, but it's a little different this time round with training and getting ready for one of the biggest tournaments of the year, but I don't think there's a better place to be other than here."

Thanyapura’s Tennis Academy features the only six Plexicushion competition-class tennis courts in Phuket: four covered for indoor play and two outdoor courts, with instruction from world-class professional tennis coaches.

Tennis facilities include a grandstand, retail shop, court and racquet hire and a racquet-stringing service

"It's always nice when you train in an environment where it's really a sports facility and you're surrounded by staff that are professionals, and other athletes. I think just walking through the grounds and seeing people doing their thing really brings the best out of you and brings a level of commitment and hard work rather than perhaps when you're in the gym and you're surrounded by people who are just on the stair master doing a 30-minute workout a day," Ms Sharapova added. "It's a little different from when you see an athlete training for a sprint or a marathon or their special sport. The work ethic is very different and that's why it's been so good to stay here."

Sharapova Smoothie

The championship tennis player also took time out to share some of the secrets of her success at Thanyapura.

"I've really been into green juices this year so I've been making them with kiwi, cucumber, kale, mint and pineapple or apple to give it a bit of sweetness. That's been pretty much my go-to juice," she said.

The 'Sharapova Smoothie' is now available at Thanyapura.