Sharapova set to return

Sharapova: Battling back

Yesterday I played my first few points with serves in about six months which was pretty exciting and right now I'm aiming for Palm Springs (Indian Wells), or Miami, depending on how things shape up.

Maria Sharapova
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Former world number one Maria Sharapova is scheduled to make her long-awaited return to competitive action in March.

The 21-year-old Russian has been out of action since August after undergoing surgery to repair a shoulder injury that has dogged her for two years.

She was unable to defend her Australian Open title in January as a result, but she now has her sights set on two top-tier US events.

"I have been training in Florida the last few weeks and really working hard on getting the strength back in my arm," Sharapova said on her official website.

"It's really amazing how you can do all the exercises and rehab in the world, but nothing substitutes the time you spent on court running and hitting hundreds of balls.

"Unfortunately just because the doctor fixes the problem and gives you the green light to practice doesn't mean that you can just go out there playing tournaments.

"Yesterday I played my first few points with serves in about six months which was pretty exciting and right now I'm aiming for Palm Springs (Indian Wells), or Miami, depending on how things shape up. I cannot wait to get back to playing tournaments!"

Sharapova has dropped down the world rankings to number 14 during her absence - the first time she has dropped out of the top 10 since her Wimbledon victory in 2004.