Confident Sharapova eyes first US Open title

NEW YORK, Aug 26 (Reuters) A confident Maria Sharapova said she will go into next week's US Open with her eyes on the title after her most consistent year to date.

The Russian world number four has won two titles this year, in Indian Wells and San Diego, and has reached the semi-finals or better in nine of her 10 tournaments.

''I'm really excited because I'm going into a grand slam with a lot of good matches under my belt, a good title, and, most importantly, I feel healthy,'' the 19-year-old said.

''It's good to be back and ready.'' Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows last year and said she felt a much better player than 12 months ago.

''I definitely feel physically stronger this year, a lot fitter.

''Those are just words. Hopefully, I will take that into action.

But overall, a whole year brings a lot of experience to my game.

Hopefully that will show here.'' REUTERS DKS BST0221