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Hong Kong - Russian Maria Sharapova said on Monday she was fit and ready to take on the world's best at the Australian Open later this month after a long lay-off due to a shoulder injury.
Sharapova, the former world number one who crashed out of Beijing in October in a third-round loss to China's Peng Shuai, had arthroscopic surgery over a year ago on her right shoulder, and was out of action until May last year.
"You realise how fortunate you are to get back," she told reporters in Hong Kong ahead of an exhibition tournament that starts on Wednesday in the southern Chinese city.
"I keep getting stronger. I'm ready for the challenge (in Australia) -- mentally and physically."
Sharapova, 22, currently ranked 14th in the world, described taking a break from tennis as "frustrating".
"Obviously I stepped away because I had to.
"It was frustrating -- very frustrating. And boring.... But there is no better healer than time."
Sharapova will lead Team Russia alongside world number nine Vera Zvonareva and two-time men's Grand Slam winner Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the Hong Kong Tennis Classic this week.
The Hong Kong tournament features four teams with three players each in singles and mixed doubles play.
American star Venus Williams, Argentine Gisela Dulko and retired champion Michael Chang will head up the Americas side in Hong Kong.
China's Zheng Jie and Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan are leading Team Asia Pacific alongside Ayumi Morita of Japan.
Danish teenage sensation Caroline Wozniacki, now the world number four, Belarussian Victoria Azarenka and retired six-time Grand Slam winner Stefan Edberg lead Team Europe at the tournament, which wraps up Saturday.
"We have the best cast of players ever to take part in this tournament," said Ian Wade, President of the Hong Kong Tennis Patrons' Association.
Paradorn, 30, the world's former number nine, has been hampered by wrist problems for several years, but did not rule out a return to the pro circuit.
"I wasn't sure which direction to go -- enjoy life after tennis or make a come back," he said.
"I would like to make a come back if I could."
