Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a shot during the women's singles first round match against Tatjana Maria of Germany at Australian Open 2018 in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 16, 2018. Maria Sharapova won 2-0. (Xinhua/Zhu Hongye)
By Levi J Parsons
MELBOURNE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Maria Sharapova has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday, after defeating Germany's Tatjana Maria, 6-1, 6-4 at the Margaret Court Arena.
It was the tennis superstar's first time back at the tournament since 2016, when she tested positive for a banned substance called meldonium.
Although Sharapova claimed it was used to treat a heart condition, the violation saw her suspended from competition for 15 months.
"I know what level I can play and what tennis I can produce," the former world number one told Xinhua after the match.
"But I'm also realistic, the process of coming back takes time, so I'll keep learning and I'll keep building.
"I'm not overly confident [about winning the tournament] but I have expectations because of the previous results through my career."
Determined to get back to the form that saw her win five Grand Slam titles, Sharapova returned to competition in April 2017.
"I feel like I've gotten a lot of things out of the way physically, mentally and emotionally," the Russian said.
"Some things are coming along slower than I've wanted but some things I feel good about."
At the end of last year, the 30 year old received a huge confidence boost after winning the Tianjin Open, and believes that time on the court is the key to recapturing her past success.
"I think confidence comes with time and match play and putting yourself in situations where you are able to take those opportunities," she said.
"I know nothing will be handed to me, you have to work for every point of every match."
Off the court, Sharapova has also been making headlines recently, after being photographed at a Shanghai business event with e-commerce entrepreneur Jack Ma.
"I've been in China a lot in the last few months," she said.
"The experience of being part of that show for Jack Ma was quite unique and...It was great to meet with someone that has taken something from just an idea and made it as successful as he has," she explained.
She added that her candy brand Sugarpova is currently in negotiations with Ma's Alibaba to distribute on the platform.
