Tennis - Australian Open - Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 16, 2018. Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning against Tatjana Maria of Germany. REUTERS/Issei Kato
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Maria Sharapova returns to Rod Laver Arena for the first time since her drug ban for a second round match against Anastasija Sevastova on Thursday as players, officials and fans alike prepare for sweltering heat at the Australian Open.
The former world number one, who missed last year's tournament because of her ban for the use of a banned substance, takes on the Latvian 14th seed in the first match on the main showcourt so should escape the worst of the heat.
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