Sharapova makes successful comeback at Warsaw Open

New Delhi: Maria Sharapova has made a successful return to singles tennis at the Warsaw Open after a nine-and-a-half month lay off due to a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old Russian beat Italian Tathiana Garbin 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 in the first round.

The former world number one had not played a singles match since August last year due to her injury and seemed a bit lackluster during the match. But she rediscovered her power and accuracy, and won five consecutive games to take the third set 6-3.

Although her performance was undeniably rusty, Sharapova was simply pleased to be back playing tennis, and will be desperate to stay fit ahead of the French Open, which starts on May 24.