Sharapova takes Brisbane wild card, looks to play Australian Open

Maria Sharapova, who has not played an official competition since the US Open, has taken a wild card into the Brisbane International next week.

The five-time Grand Slam champion participated in the Abu Dhabi exhibition event two weeks ago and then withdrew from a Hawaii exhibition, but plans to return to competition at Brisbane.

"It's a fresh start," she said.

Getty Images

Sharapova has been troubled by an ongoing shoulder injury, and has played just eight events in the previous year.

"But I have had a fairly good off-season and I am motivated to compete," she said. "I don't think my surgically repaired shoulder will ever be perfect. But I still feel there is a lot in me to give. I still have a lot of fire in me. At this point in my career when I have that feeling, it's a good sign."

If she is satisfied with her play in Brisbane, the Russian will look to secure a wild card for the Australian Open. She also plans to play the Kooyong exhibition the week before the Australian Open.

Sharapova is No. 133 in the rankings.