MELBOURNE, Jan. 16 -- Maria Sharapova has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday, after defeating Germany's Tatjana Maria, 6-1, 6-4 at the Margaret Court Arena.

It was the tennis superstar's first time back at the tournament since 2016, when she tested positive for a banned substance called meldonium.

Although Sharapova claimed it was used to treat a heart condition, the violation saw her suspended from competition for 15 months.

"I know what level I can play and what tennis I can produce," the former world number one told Xinhua after the match.

"But I'm also realistic, the process of coming back takes time, so I'll keep learning and I'll keep building.

"I'm not overly confident [about winning the tournament] but I have expectations because of the previous results through my career."

Determined to get back to the form that saw her win five Grand Slam titles, Sharapova returned to competition in April 2017.

"I feel like I've gotten a lot of things out of the way physically, mentally and emotionally," the Russian said.

"Some things are coming along slower than I've wanted but some things I feel good about."

At the end of last year, the 30 year old received a huge confidence boost after winning the Tianjin Open, and believes that time on the court is the key to recapturing her past success.

"I think confidence comes with time and match play and putting yourself in situations where you are able to take those opportunities," she said.

【体坛英语资讯：Confident Sharapova into second round in Melbourne】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kylie is new face of Tous jewellery

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao delivers victory in national team return

★ 体坛英语资讯：Maradona wants to coach Argentine Olympic team

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Tom Cruise and wife set to move to New York

★ 体坛英语资讯：China reaches final of Womens Asia Cup

★ 体坛英语资讯：ZZ leads New Years Eve charge against Iraq

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears told to pay most of K-Feds fees

★ 体坛英语资讯：Gatlin hires Landis lawyer to fight ban

★ 体坛英语资讯：ZZ goal gives China 1-1 tie with Iraq

★ 体坛英语资讯：One injured on second day of Argentine soccer violence