By Martyn HermanMELBOURNE (Reuters) - Former champion Maria Sharapova will not care less what reception she receives when she plays her first Australian Open match since completing a doping ban on Tuesday, according to three-times Melbourne winner Mats Wilander. Australian Open organisers were criticised for their choice of 2008 champion Sharapova for Thursday's draw ceremony and it would be no surprise if the world number 48 faced a backlash on her return to action in Melbourne. I don't think she's ever cared about what people think, which is what has made her a great champion. With reigning champion Williams yet to return from maternity leave, her sister Venus eliminated in round one and twice champion Victoria Azarenka also absent, Sharapova will be eyeing a strong run and Wilander thinks she should be welcomed back. However, the former world number one faces a tough path if she is to claim a sixth grand slam title against the odds.

Source: Economic Times January 15, 2018 08:48 UTC