Sharapova ruthless - even while injured

Melbourne - Russia's Maria Sharapova crushed British 22-year-old Harriet Dart 6-0, 6-0 in Round 1 of the Australian Open on Monday - and post-match revealed she is struggling with chronic pain in her shoulder.

"Yeah, obviously the shoulder hasn't been, you know, much of a secret in the past year."

"That's been something I have been struggling with and had to shut down he season after the US Open."

Sharapova is not sure whether the pain is ever going to go away.

She recently consulted her doctor about this very issue.

"I have asked Dr Altchek that many times. I saw him beginning of December, and he says it's a day-by-day pain management situation."

Sharapova was very blunt in response to a question regarding whether she felt any empathy seeing her opponent in tears and very emotional after the match.

"I mean, there is no time for that I'm sorry to say."

Sharapova certainly means business this year.

"So I'm not worried about my opponent, but I have step up when the time is right."

As ruthless as Sharapova was in despatching of Dart on - and off - the court, she still managed a modicum of self-deprecation and humour when asked about her mixed doubles record.

"Because let me tell you, none of my doubles are memorable."

"It's like something we all should forget about."

"But I do have 3 titles. They actually mentioned it today in the introductions."

"I was, like, okay, that's something we can skip. Like, let's not waste our time."

Sharapova has often been perceived as being a little on the aloof side regarding her interactions with her peers.

She all but confirmed this view today.

"I don't spend much time in the locker room. I'm sure you've heard that before."

Sharapova was ruthless in Monday's first round. She may need more of this trait as the tournament progresses as she is scheduled to meet defending champion Caroline Wozniacki in the third round, should she get past Sweden's Rebecca Peterson in Round 2.