Maria Sharapova will take on Gisela Dulko in round one of the Australian OpenYou can watch and bet on Sharapova v Dulko live for free at bet365 > live tennisMaria Sharapova enters this year’s Australian Open in good spirits, following a 2011 season that enabled her to reestablish herself as one of the most capable players on the women’s tour. The 2008 champion recently sustained an ankle injury that could threaten her chances here, but the former world No. 1 could turn out to be a serious contender over the next two weeks. She will begin her campaign with a first round matchup against Gisela Dulko.
“I didn't really start the year off on the best note, I lost here in the fourth round. I got sick playing Paris. Didn't play in Fed Cup,” remarked Sharapova in an interview this week, referring to her tennis last season. “It was kind of, 'where is this going? Then all of a sudden things clicked because ultimately when you put in the work, it's going to pay off. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in one week, but maybe in many months.”
“I think my level was much more consistent than where I saw it at the couple years before that ... following the shoulder surgery,” she continued. “It was a big step for me in the right direction.”
Despite her injury, Sharapova appears to be well prepared for action this week. “I've been in Melbourne for some time now. Came here a little bit early (and) I was thinking of maybe playing a tournament the week before (but) just thought it would be good to stay here and train and get ready. I wasn't really in a hurry to go and play a tournament when I didn't feel like I had enough practice and all. But, it's been really good. The body feels really good.”
