AFP, Brisbane :
Maria Sharapova will open her Australian campaign with a match against Ekaterina Makarova following Friday’s draw for the Brisbane International.
Defending champion and third seed Sharapova will play world number 23 Makarova in a rematch from last year’s Australian Open semi-final.
“This was a grand slam semi-final last year in Australia,” five-time grand slam champion Sharapova told reporters.
“For a first match, it’s a pretty high-quality match against a pretty tough opponent.”
World number four Sharapova, 28, who beat Ana Ivanovic in last year’s Brisbane final, leads Makarova 6-0 in their past meetings.
Maria Sharapova will open her Australian campaign with a match against Ekaterina Makarova following Friday’s draw for the Brisbane International.
Defending champion and third seed Sharapova will play world number 23 Makarova in a rematch from last year’s Australian Open semi-final.
“This was a grand slam semi-final last year in Australia,” five-time grand slam champion Sharapova told reporters.
“For a first match, it’s a pretty high-quality match against a pretty tough opponent.”
World number four Sharapova, 28, who beat Ana Ivanovic in last year’s Brisbane final, leads Makarova 6-0 in their past meetings.
