Fit-again Maria Sharapova revels in win

World number five Maria Sharapova was pleased to finally get back on court for the first time in 2016 after ousting Nao Hibino at the Australian Open on Monday.

Sharapova did not play a lead-up tournament after withdrawing from the Brisbane International due to a forearm injury.

But last year's runner-up at Melbourne Park overcame a lack of playing time in a 6-1 6-3 first-round win over her Japanese opponent.

Speaking afterwards, Sharapova said: "It was just nice to get on court and face the opportunity of playing a first match.

"No matter how much you train, it's always different when you walk out onto the court. [It is] definitely a relief to get that first one out of the way."

A leg injury prevented Sharapova from completing a match in the three months between Wimbledon and the WTA Finals last season, but the Russian is regaining confidence after a close-season of recovery.

"There's always a little bit of nerves, sometimes more, sometimes less, going into any grand slam," Sharapova added. "But especially when it's your first tournament of the season… just a different feeling.

"I try not to focus so much on the opponent or the atmosphere and just really focus on myself and try to bring the positives of a good training week, just try to execute that, keep it simple."