Sharapova: I would love to have won gold

 

Originally published on: 28/08/12 00:00

The world No.3, who carried the Russian flag at the opening ceremony, won the silver medal after losing to Serena Williams in the final.

After beating Hungary’s Melinda Czink for the loss of only four games in the first round of the US Open, Sharapova was asked if she still felt the pain of defeat in the Olympic final.

“I've been part of many different types of matches in my career,” Sharapova said. “Looking back at that week, it was really special.  It was so hectic. It was the busiest week out of the year for me in terms of playing back to back, the emotions of the opening ceremony, putting everything together, going out and trying to compete.

“It was an incredible experience. Although I would have loved to have been the champion there, for me to be a first_ѥtime Olympian, to leave with a silver medal, carry the flag for my country _ѥ of course I would have loved to win gold, but those things happen. You move on and go to the next tournament.”

Asked what it had felt like to carry the Russian flag, Sharapova said she had hoped the weather at the opening ceremony would have been more windy.

“I felt like I had to actually hold it, make sure it was waving around and wasn't getting caught on the pole,” she said. “But it wasn't as heavy as I expected and the walk was a lot faster than I had thought it would be. But it was a great experience. I went to the [athletes’] village four hours before just to walk around. I've never been part of that, so I really wanted to get to see everything, take pictures.”

She added: “I look back and it's like: ‘Where did the time go?’ It was so quick.”

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