The 32-year-old Russian has suffered a shoulder injury and came to this year's first grand slam tournament on a wildcard.
After the loss, 3-6, 4-6 against 19-seeded Croatian Donna Vekic, Sharapova says she is unsure if there will be any more start in Melbourne.
- I do not know. It's difficult to say what will happen in twelve months, she says.
The 2008 winner of the Australian Open doesn't even know what the next time will look like.
- Frankly, I don't know. I haven't thought about my schedule.
Sjarapova did not play more than seven-eight tournaments last year due to shoulder injury and has fallen to 145th place in the rankings. But she did not want to blame the loss on Vekic on the shoulder injury.
- It's not my style to talk about my shoulder problems. I was here and played and although it was tough I finished the game, she says.
In the men's tournament, world set Rafael Nadal lost just five games against Bolivian Hugo Dellien (6–2, 6–3, 6–0) and was pleased with the start of the hunt for the 20th grand slam title.
- It was a positive start. What you want in the first round is the victory, and the best thing is if it is in three straight sets, ”says Nadal.