Maria Sharapova hails "priceless" experience

Maria Sharapova has said that the experiences that she has had during her tennis career have been "priceless" following her first-round win in the Australian Open.

The 2008 champion eased past Croatian Petra Martic 6-4 6-1 to set up a second round match with fellow Russian Alexandra Panova.

Speaking on court after the match, she said: "I love the sport. I love everything it's been able to give me. The experiences I've had are priceless."

The world number two was knocked out in the fourth round in Melbourne last year.