By Kimberly Douglass
(January 3, 2011) Maria Sharapova begins 2011 with a bang; the former No.1 was able to overcome Alberta Brianti of Italy, a last-minute opponent change, 6-2, 6-3. 
Originally the Russian was set to play against Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro in her first round match, but due to the withdrawal of Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova, the draw was forced to be reshuffled.
Sharapova took down Brianti in a manner that hasn’t been recently been seen, showing signs of the form and athleticism that lead her to becoming World No.1 in 2005. In the 90 minute match, the 23-year-old treated the change in opponent as if she was simply asked to play on a different court.
“We spend so much time training and out-of-tournament competition, it’s great to be in the atmosphere of a crowd,” said Sharapova to the Australian Associated Press. “The change of opponent was different, because I warmed up pretty early. I headed back and took another rest and came back. That was the only hiccup today.”
Despite this turn around, Sharapova is still lacking in some key areas. During the match Sharapova served seven double faults while Brianti served only two, three aces to none, and nailed only 68 percent of her first serves, all this is coupled with multiple unforced errors and managing to only convert five of 11 break points.
It’s been no secret that Sharapova has been under a strict regimen to place herself back in the world rankings. She has also made a change in gear, leaving behind Prince and now embracing Head has her new racquet of choice.
Today, the player will officially announce her new $2 million a year deal with the manufacturer reportedly for the next five years; She will join a list of big name players like, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Robin Soderling, and fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.
According to reports Sharapova has been working with the brand to develop a racket that fits her precise specifications for the last several months. It is expected that she will come out with her own line of rackets at a later date.
Next up in Auckland, Sharapova will face No.81 Renata Voracova of the Czech Republic.