Maria Sharapova feeling fresh after Australian Open first round

Sharapova feeling fresh

Maria Sharapova has said that she is feeling "healthy" following her straight-sets victory over Olga Puchkova in the first round of the Australian Open.

The world number two disposed of her compatriot in just 55 minutes, booking a second-round encounter with either Petra Martic or Misaki Doi.

Sharapova has not played a competitive match in 2013, which she said made her focus from the very start.

"Since I haven't played any matches I knew I'd make a few more mistakes at the beginning than I would normally so I really tried to focus at the start," said Sharapova.

"I feel really good and healthy. This is a long two weeks so being fresh is also important. You don't want to overdo it, especially after a pretty tough off-season."

Sharapova won in Melbourne in 2008.

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe