New Zealand journalist accused of stalking Maria Sharapova

A New Zealand television journalist once again disrupted Maria Sharapova's post-match media conference after the tennis star accused him of stalking her.

This is the third time the man has appeared when Sharapova was slated to speak during the past two weeks, reports Perth now.

The journalist first bobbed up at the Auckland Open then turn in the media room at Rod Laver Arena after player training sessions.

At the weekend the man asked her if she spent time with compatriot Anna Kournikova and frequented a club for "hot Russians''''.

"You're the guy from New Zealand, huh? Oh God, you're stalking me!'' Sharapova said, when she recognised the male journalist from this month's Auckland Classic.

"It's not stalking if you love someone,'' the journalist said jokingly.

Sharapova replied: "It can be slightly, trust me.''''

Later after her defeat of Thai Tamarine Tanasugarn in the first round, the man accused Sharapova of calling him a stalker - to which she replied: "Yes.''''

When he asked if she had had a problem with a stalker before, she said: "Not until you, no.''

The man then unfurled a cardboard sign on which he had scrawled: "I am not a stalker.''''

"I don't know why you're here today. That shouldn't have happened. You even have a sign. Oh, goodness, that's wrong,'''' Sharapova said.

Tournament officials were yet to decide on whether to caution the man.