2008 champion Maria Sharapova kicked off a packed opening day at the Australian Open but was unconvincing in a straight sets first round victory over the Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn. The Russian started the match looking anxious and serving five consecutive faults. After dropping her first service game, she managed to regroup and win the next seven games in a row as Tanasugarn herself looked a bit lethargic while moving around the court. Sharapova's serving woes dogged her throughout the 79 minute encounter in which she served a total of 10 double faults. She dropped her serve twice in the early part of the second set as Tanasugran rallied for a 3-1 lead. However, the Russian again managed to steady herself and win five games on the trot to complete a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
Sharapova, who also served 5 aces, got in 57% of her first serves in and won 75% of the points on her first serve but only 28% of the points on her second serve. The world's highest earning sportswoman in 2010 has struggled to recapture her winnng form and lethal serve since undergoing shoulder surgery in 2008 which saw her miss 9 months of action on the WTA tour. The Russsian will no doubt need to improve her game, especially her serve, as she progresses through the draw in Melbourne, with a potential blockbuster showdown with Venus Williams looming in round four.
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