After reaching the quarterfinals of the Cellular South Cup, teenage Russian star Maria Sharapova took time out to answer your questions from Memphis. Here's what she had to say...

Q: Who was your idol when you were growing up?
Maria Sharapova (I)

MS: I never actually had an idol when I was growing up. I always just concentrated on myself. And I never really watched television or anything like that, but I did enjoy watching good matches on TV, no one in particular, but I always enjoyed watching some good tennis, such as when Sampras and Agassi were on, or other fun players like Rios.

Q: Which Grand Slam would you most like to win and how soon would you want to be World No. 1?
Maria Sharapova (II)

MS: I really want to win Wimbledon because that's my favorite, it's really special to me and I've always enjoyed going there. I really want to be No. 1 in the world but I think it's going to take a little bit of time and hopefully I'll mature a little bit, I'll be physically stronger and more experienced and time will tell.

Q: Will your mom be traveling with you soon?
Maria Sharapova (III)

MS: My mom, well, if I get to the final of a Grand Slam I'll fly her over, but I don't think so otherwise. She's a very quiet lady and, although she loves to travel and she loves to be with me and I miss her a lot, but it's just the scheduling, the practicing, going back to the hotels, it's very hectic and she'd rather be at home. I call her all the time, send her postcards from wherever I've been. We have a very good relationship and we are very close friends.

Q: What are your goals for the new season?
Maria Sharapova (IV)

MS: I never really set goals for myself. I just really want to perform well, do my best and work hard at what I do. Hopefully, as I mature into my body and get used to the tour it will be great, but I just need a bit more time and hopefully I can get into the Top 20.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies away from the court?
Maria Sharapova (V)

MS: My hobbies…I really enjoy fashion. When I'm with my friends we always do fashion designs. I love shopping and I love styling. I do yoga a lot, I love aromatherapy and candles, stuff like that. I do a lot of homework, because I'm still in high school. There's so much I like to do. I love to eat! And I like to go out and have a good time with my friends and family.

Q: What advice would you give to young players hoping to make it as a pro?
Maria Sharapova (VI)

MS: I think just do your best at whatever you do. It doesn't have to be tennis. I think just always work hard because when you lose a match and you think: 'Oh, I didn't work hard at that point,' it's like you regret it, so you never want to regret anything.

Q: What is the strongest part of your game?
Maria Sharapova (VII)

MS: I've never actually thought about that. I hit a pretty heavy ball, my serve is getting bigger and bigger as I get stronger. I'm trying to work on my net game, but that's not really my strength right now. I don't know, you'll have to ask other players!

Q: How do you deal with playing on the pro circuit at such a young age?
Maria Sharapova (VIII)

MS: It's not very easy on the tour because of the schedule. But I always try to think of the positive things, and yes, I'm young but it's fun traveling and seeing new cultures and different countries. I'm doing what I love doing, which is playing tennis. I'm a big competitor, so I love to compete against other players.