Maria Sharapova made a quick exit from the Australian Open as she lost against 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4 to Maria Kirilenko in the first round. "Just didn't win the match ... bottom line," Sharapova claimed. "Certainly had my chances and just didn't execute. "I felt like I was - when she was up and then I'd get back there, back in the game - I just didn't take advantage of that and let her ... control the situation again." Meanwhile, Sharapova  gets good news by signing a $70m- deal with Nike.

Maria Sharapova showed off a broad smile as she beat Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki at the Hong Kong Tennis Classic Sunday (January 10). Assuring her way to the Australian Open, the Russian used her powerful serve and groundstrokes to win 7-5 and 6-3 in a 95-minute match at the exhibition Match.  , Maria said, “It’s a great field… a good test for the Australian Open.” “Whether I have a good feeling or not, you never know the future,” she added. Sharapova has been sidelinef for most than year to recover from a shoulder injury. The First Grand Slam of 2010 begins January 18.

Maria Sharapova is getting ready for her comeback to courts at the Australian Open later this month. The Russian says, "I keep getting stronger. I'm ready for the challenge (in Australia) - mentally and physically." "You realize how fortunate you are to get back." Sharapova describes her absence from tennis as "frustrating" after a long break because a shoulder injury.