Russia's golden girl Maria Sharapova spent only 64 minutes disposing of an American qualifier to reach the third round of the Australian before setting her mind on a life-long goal to win a medal for Russia at the Olympics.
With three grand slams, 24 WTA titles and $16 million in prize-money, Florida resident Sharapova has ticked most boxes on a player's dream CV but was crushed to miss out on the 2008 Beijing Games because of a shoulder injury.
Back in the top five after suffering a succession of debilitating injuries in recent years, Sharapova is confident her fitness woes are behind her and will be at the vanguard of Russia's campaign to rise to the top of the medal standings.
Image: Maria Sharapova of Russia waves to the crowd after beating Jamie Hampton of the US during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship, in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012.
Text: Reuters
Images: AP/AFP
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