Maria Sharapova targets Olympic title

Maria Sharapova has said that she is looking forward to a big 2012 as she targets this year's Olympic title in London.

Sharapova, who is at present taking part in this season's Australian Open in Melbourne, admits that she has dreamed of participating in the Olympics since a young age.

"This year is a big year for me," she said. "I'll be playing in the Olympics, which has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl.

"Growing up in Russia, tennis wasn't a big sport back then. It was all about being an Olympian, especially the winter sports.

"Fortunately we've been able to change that a little bit and tennis has become extremely popular back in Russia."

Sharapova will next face German Angelique Kerber in the third round in Australia.