The quest of world number two tennis player Maria Sharapova for a second Australian Open title has been strengthened as she received a favourable draw and declared herself fully recovered from injury.
The Russian withdrew from last week's Brisbane International to rest her injured right collarbone.
Chasing a fifth grand slam title at Melbourne Park Sharapova says the precautionary move had paid off and she would be heading into the tournament well prepared.
Sharapova was the big winner in the draw as her two major rivals, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams, landed together in the top half of the draw.
The runner-up to Azarenka last year will meet countrywoman Olga Puchkova in the opening round.
She shares the bottom half with No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska, No.5 Angelique Kerber and No.6 Li Na and could meet Venus Williams in the third round,
