Intro:

Maria Sharapova reflected on her Brisbane International women's semi-final defeat to Serena Williams on Friday evening.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Maria Sharapova:

"Yes, a little bit. I thought she (Serena Williams), returned well from the beginning. You know, If the ball is a few inches to the right or left, or where she likes, she ends up hitting a really sharp, deep return and you can be in trouble. But that first ball is also extremely important and something that I hope to work for in the future."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Maria Sharapova:

"Not in the moment. In the moment you're just trying to win the next point. Obviously I can look back and say as I said just now, it's great to be at this level and be able compete against her and put myself in a good position after not playing for a few months, but in the moment, you know, I'm pulling my teeth out because I missed that shot.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Maria Sharapova:

"I mean if I want to have a chance to beat Serena I have to get myself in the match and I have to raise my level, that's what champions do. She's raised her level so much in the last couple of years and if you want to be right there you have to do that as well."