Gallery: Sharapova makes winning return

There was a moment during the second set when it looked like Maria Sharapova’s return from injury might fall a little bit flat. After being overwhelmed in the first, Jennifer Brady clearly ruffled the world No.171 in the second set, pinching it with the break. Normal order was restored in the decider, as Sharapova set up a second set clash with Lesia Tsurenko.

: Maria Sharapova was a 6-1 4-6 6-0 winner over American Jennifer Brady. Photo: Getty Images

: Sharapova needed just over two hours to complete the three set win. Photo: Getty Images

: Jennifer Brady pushed Sharapova hard in the second set, but was blown away in the third. Photo: Getty Images

: Sharapova was making her return from an injury that ruled her out of the grass court season. Photo: Getty Images

: Sharapova will be reliant on wildcards through the US Hard Court swing. Photo: Getty Images

: Sharapova will be looking to build her ranking during the hard court season. Photo: Getty Images

: Brady is ranked nearly 100 places higher than Sharapova (No.80 v No.171). Photo: Getty Images

: The fans flocked to see Sharapova playing at Stanford. Photo: Getty Images

Practice makes perfect for stars at Melbourne Park

22 February 2018

Australian Open photographer’s favourites

3 October 2017

Gallery: China Open player party

23 September 2017