Sharapova has 'expectations' for return from five-month absence

Maria Sharapova said on Sunday that she has "expectations" for herself ahead of her return from a five-month injury absence in Mallorca next week.

The five-time Grand Slam champion has not played since withdrawing from the St Petersburg event in January to have surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury.

Sharapova has struggled to find top form since coming back from a 15-month doping ban in 2017.

"When you go out in a tournament, anything can happen," the 32-year-old told wtatennis.com.

"You want to go out on the court and you want to show the type of tennis you think you can produce. I certainly have expectations for myself... And I enjoy getting better every day.

"The injuries are very frustrating... But then the next day, you start feeling better.

"The next day, you get better and you get a little more optimistic. A few months later, even though it's a long process, here you are and you're excited to compete again."
"I wasn't really thinking about being excited about the way I was playing, even though there were some great matches that I played in the start of the year."