Maria Sharapova.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL -- Maria Sharapova doesn't have very fond memories of Montreal.

Two years ago the Russian star had to withdraw from the Rogers Cup in the city because of a serious shoulder injury. As she prepares to make her return to the tournament next month, she's looking for a more positive memory.

"I didn't have a good experience last (time)," Sharapova said Friday on a conference call. "That's where I took my MRI and I realized I was going to be out for awhile. So I'm hoping that this time around it's going to be a better experience."

Sharapova's shoulder surgery kept her on the sidelines for nine months. A big moment in her return came last summer in Toronto, where she advanced to the final of the Rogers Cup before losing to countrywoman Elena Dementieva in straight sets.

"It was a great week for me and something that I really needed after my comeback," said Sharapova. "I love this time of year and the swing where you're constantly going from one town to another and you're playing the tournaments.

"To get to the final (last year) ... I felt like I was slowly getting my way there."

The 23-year-old has victories this year in Memphis and Strasbourg and expects to have the form to compete for another one in Montreal.

She's finally feeling 100 per cent again.

"It takes awhile," said Sharapova, a three-time Grand Slam champion. "You can feel really confident in practice but it doesn't always translate into matches."