Aug 27, 2006, 2:50 GMT
New York - Maria Sharapova will strive for serenity amid the madness as she bids for her first-ever title at the US Open.
The Russian teenager who made her mark in the game two years ago with the Wimbledon crown, comes into the year's final major with a title from San Diego and a semi-final a week later in LA.
The crazed ambience of New York looms as a huge challenge for any player who hopes to lift the title in a fortnight.
For Sharapova, the atmosphere makes the challenge the toughest in tennis.
'The city is more hectic, and there's travelling in and out of the city. The other Grand Slams are a little more relaxed,' she said.
'This one has a little bit more buzz, so your days go a lot faster. You might be stuck in traffic a little bit going to and from matches. ... It's just a test for everyone.'
Sharapova, seeded third behind Amelie Mauresmo and Saturday's new Haven winner Justine Henin-Hardenne, can't be bothered that defending champion Kim Clijsters and two-time winner Venus Williams are missing through injury.
'I can't worry about what top players are here, not here, who I'm gonna face later in the tournament. I've got to worry about my first round (against Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands) and then go on from there.,' said Sharapova, last year's semi-finalist.
'I'm really excited because I'm going into a Grand Slam with a lot of good matches behind my belt and a good title. Most importantly, I feel healthy. So it's good to be back and ready.'
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