Melbourne: Maria Sharapova said she sympathised with her Australian Open quarter-final opponent Eugenie Bouchard over constant hype labelling her "the new Sharapova".


Maria Sharapova and Anna Kournikova 

After all, argued the 27-year-old Russian, she is still fielding comparisons with Anna Kournikova despite winning five Grand Slams since her breakthrough at Wimbledon more than a decade ago. Sharapova, the second seed at Melbourne Park this year as she chases a second Australian title, said all 20-year-old Bouchard could do was remain true to herself.