Sharapova needs miracle to be at her best

PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) Maria Sharapova believes she will need a miracle to play at her best at the French Open.

The world number four, who has yet to play a match on clay this season, arrived at Roland Garros very short of match practice.

A right foot injury has prevented the Russian from playing competitive tennis since her 6-4 6-3 defeat by compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Nasdaq-100 Open final on April 1.

''I do not think I'm as competitive as I would like to be,'' Sharapova said.

''If I can play correctly, it will be a miracle. I'm really not at 100 percent,'' the fourth seed said.

''I've spent the past two weeks training and nursing my injury.'' The 2004 Wimbledon champion plays American Mashona Washington tomorrow.

REUTERS PG PC1755