Mumbai, June 21

By Our Bollywood Reporter Ms Divya Chawla

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova has revealed that she will never venture out alone on the grounds of Wimbledon, after the All England Club confirmed that she is being stalked by a British man.

Click here to see Maria Sharapova Photo Gallery

According to the Telegraph, the man has been banned from the club's grounds for previously lunging at her during a tournament in America.

"I'm always with somebody. I always feel safe. If I was worried every step I was taking, I don't think I would be walking around," Sharapova said.

The Russian teenager said she was not worried about the threat from stalkers and felt "safe and secure" walking around Wimbledon.

But she admitted that she would not feel comfortable being on her own.

Sharapova said she was unaware that a man had been barred from entering the All England Club, and that his photograph had been circulated to police and security staff.

"I haven't heard anything about that. I don't read the papers or anything," she added.

Sharapova also revealed that although she was not happy having bodyguards with her, she understood the need for a high level of security.

Sharapova's Wimbledon shoes are studded with gold!

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova who took Wimbledon by storm last year, has more than her Grand Slam title to defend this year, as the teenage sensation is planning to get extra security for her shoes decorated with studs of 18-carat gold.

She disclosed that she had 10 pairs of the shoes, which have been designed for her by Nike, and cost between "600 dollars and 900 dollars" per pair.

"My shoes have 18-carat gold on the sides. That is something totally different. They shine unbelievably, and hopefully that can distract my opponents a little. There's nothing too valuable that I'm going to leave in the locker-room, except my shoes," she was quoted by the Telegraph, as saying.

Click here to see Maria Sharapova Hot Stills Photo Gallery

"I am going to ask the locker-room attendant to get me a safe for the shoes," she added.

Sharapova said that she was excited about her dress, which will be pleated at the bottom and "pretty covered-up at the top".

"It's not as important to look good as it is to feel good. I've always loved fashion, and I've always loved to be different.

"I love to feel good in what I'm wearing. If you feel that something is wrong, or not quite right, then obviously that can affect you on court," Sharapova said.