“Much anticipated” is a term that’s often used when it comes to the arrival of big-name stars at the world’s top events but that’s especially true for Maria Sharapova as she sets about her first event of 2013 at the Brisbane International.
The world No. 2 touched down at the Brisbane International airport this morning and was at the Queensland Tennis Centre for a practice session soon afterwards – a strictly business approach that’s reflective of her long wait to debut in this event, following her late withdrawal due to an ankle injury in 2012.
As second seed at the Brisbane International, Sharapova receives a first-round bye and will face either Australian Jarmila Gajdosova or Italian Roberta Vinci in her opening match of the 2013 season. The winner of 27 career titles, Sharapova will have to work hard to add to her trophy collection in Brisbane – 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, world No.5 Angelique Kerber and the sixth-ranked Sara Errani are in the same half of her draw.
Still, coming off a year in which she completed her Grand Slam collection with a French Open breakthrough, the Russian will likely be at her renowned competitive best in Australia, where she has achieved some of her best career results. The winner of Australian Open 2008, Sharapova kicked off one of her best years with a runner-up performance at Australian Open 2012.
Sharapova is among a star-studded field at Brisbane this week, with world No.1 Victoria Azarenka, world No.4 Serena Williams and local favourite Sam Stosur featuring in the top half of the women’s draw.