Sharapova wins opening match at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Maria Sharapova won her first match of the year in convincing fashion, showing little rustiness in a 6-0, 6-0 victory over fellow Russian Olga Puchkova in the first match on the center court at the Australian Open.

Sharapova withdrew from the Brisbane International two weeks ago due to a right collarbone injury but didn't seem to be bothered by it Monday as she had 18 winners and six aces.

It was Sharapova's second 6-0, 6-0 result at a Grand Slam in less than a year. She beat Romanian Alexandra Caduntu by the same score in the first round of the French Open to start her run to the 2012 title at Roland Garros.