Former world No 1 Maria Sharapova makes winning return in Australian OpenGETTY IMAGES Maria Sharapova has made a successful return to Melbourne after serving a 15-month doping ban. Back in action at Melbourne Park for the first time since serving a 15-month doping ban, former world No1 Maria Sharapova has raced into the second round of the Australian Open. Sharapova was suspended after returning a positive test for Meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. Sharapova - whose five major crowns include the 2008 Australian title – has spent the past week in Melbourne adjusting to the conditions. "I wanted to enjoy the moment ... just wanted to get done."

Source: Stuff January 16, 2018 06:33 UTC