Sharapova back on centre court

TENNIS: Maria Sharapova is determined to add to the trophy cabinet as she prepares for her 15th Australian Open assault.

The 2008 AO winner will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena today against Brit Harriet Dart from 10am (AEST).

For 22-year-old Dart, it’s a giant assignment against one of her tennis idols in only her second grand slam appearance.

Sharapova, 31, wants to improve her No.30 ranking but has had to overcome a recent thigh issue which forced her to retire from the Shenzhen Open on January 4.

Sharapova endured an upand-down 2018 in her comeback from a 15-month doping ban.