MARIA Sharapova shook off some rust after injury and a 15-month doping ban to beat Jennifer Brady in her first match back.
She won against the US player 6-1 4-6 6-0 at the Stanford Classic in California yesterday.
The five-times grand slam champion, 30, only returned to tennis in April.
She was banned for testing positive for meldonium.
And Sharapova has been training abroad ready for her big return.
(Image: GETTY)
Then she suffered a thigh injury at the Italian Open in May meaning she missed Wimbledon.
And after her triumphant return, her fans are extremely excited to say the least.
One said: “Loved your match tonight it’s so nice to see you back on the court doing what you love.”
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Another added: “You look absolutely stunning, Maria! Great to see you on the court and good luck!”
One guy simply wrote: “Maria Sharapova I love you.”
The blonde bombshell was over the moon with the win.
She 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 now is set to play seventh seed Lesia Tsurenko in the last 16.
“I had a bit of a letdown but that’s the way it is,” Sharapova said of her loss of the second set.
“I feel like I face a lot of things: not competing for a long time, (and) an opponent who’s able to play some great tennis.”
“I feel like I’m playing catch-up against everyone.
“All that matters is that I keep playing. The more I play, the better I’ll do. That’s the goal.”
