Former world No1 Maria Sharapova admitted she faces a tough task of returning to the top of the women's game, The Guardian reported.

Will be tough to be No 1 again, says Sharapova

Former world No1 Maria Sharapova admitted she faces a tough task of returning to the top of the women's game, The Guardian reported.

The three-time grand slam winner was out for 10 months and dropped outside the world's top 100 after having shoulder surgery in October 2008 and is now working her way up the rankings.

The 22-year-old, who is in Hong Kong to prepare for the Australian Open, made an encouraging return last year and has risen to 15th in the world. "I have always had a certain plan throughout my career of the tournaments I would play and I can't physically play 30 tournaments a year, I need a few breaks," she said. "Mentally and physically you want to pace yourself, the year is very long and it is important to know when the right time is to get at a certain level. Things don't always work out how you want, but you want to be fresh for the big ones."

Hong Kong represents Sharapova's final preparation before the first grand slam of the year in Melbourne after she beat the world No 4, Venus Williams, in Thailand last week.

"The match against Venus was fun," said Sharapova, who won 6-3, 6-4. "The first match of the year you never know what to expect, you are always just getting your feet back on the ground. It was a pretty
competitive match, but we were both glad it was only two sets as it was very hot, other than that it was fine.

There are always many little things you can work on, but it was a good base and a good place to start.

"I am ready for the challenges Australia will bring, both mentally and physically. I look forward to them. I have great memories of the tournament and I'm sure it will be great to be back."