Sharapova struggles into second round of Stanford Classic

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova showcased a spirited performance as she bounced back from a set down against America's Jennifer Brady to enter the second round of the Stanford Classic here on Tuesday.

Sharapova, who was playing her first match since recovering from a hip muscle injury which she sustained in May, comfortably won the first set 6-1.

However, the former World No.1 went down in the second round before rebounding strongly to eventually register a 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 win over her American opponent in an opening-round clash that lasted two hours and two minutes.

Following the victory, Sharapova said, "I feel like I just want to hug everyone and say thank you. It's my first match in the States in a really long time, and it's the closest thing to home for me. The welcome has been incredible and finally playing so close to home was really special."

The Russian player will now lock horns with Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko for a place in the quarterfinals of the women's singles event.