Australian Open boss confident about Maria Sharapova

AUSTRALIAN Open tournament director Craig Tiley says he is confident Maria Sharapova will attempt to defend her title.

Tiley said his most recent information from Sharapova's camp increased his belief she would be at Melbourne Park, despite having played just one match since July because of shoulder surgery.

Sharapova disclosed last week she had only been hitting balls since December 15 on a short-order preparation in Florida dictated by the persistent shoulder injury which required an arthroscope in October.

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