Maria Sharapova: Will Tennis Star's Ankle Hold Up At Australian Open?

Maria Sharapova has just completed her first pain-free tennis match in what she said felt like "forever" in the first round of the Australian Open, but she's bound to experience a setback before the tournament is over.

Sharapova completely demolished her first round opponent, Gisela Dulko, winning her first eight games and only losing one. The match was over in less than an hour, and Sharapova didn't have to work very hard.

That's not saying much, though. 

Dulko isn't much of a threat in her singles' matches. Doubles are where she shines. It shouldn't be a surprise that the No. 4 ranked player in the world should be able to dominate the 68th ranked player.

The real trouble will come when Sharapova is forced to compete in a tough, long match that tests her endurance. 

Although she's only 24, Sharapova has struggled with injuries for most of her young career.

After storming the association at the tender age of 17, she battled a chronic shoulder issue in 2007 that plagued her for two years until she finally went under the knife in October of 2008. 

Then, after clawing her way back up the world rankings (she went from 126th as of March 2009 to her current position) she injured her ankle in September, forcing her to sit out for a few months. 

Sharapova is aware of her penchant for accumulating injuries, and she's taking extra precautions these days.

"

I'd rather come in feeling good physically than feeling like I played a lot of matches, she said. It's more important to me than anything. 

I've been on the tour for many years, played enough tournaments, I just want to be as ready as I can for the big ones.

"

Don't get me wrong, I hope she stays healthy and makes a strong showing, for her sake. Lord knows, she's worked hard enough for the opportunity.

Unfortunately, Sharapova has always struggled with injuries, so the chances are good her body will give out again when pushed to the limit as the tournament progresses.