Maria into second round

Maria Sharapova simply couldn't bear the thought of a U.S. Open taking place without her. So while sidelined with a torn shoulder a year ago, she refused to follow the tournament on TV.
Basically pretended it wasn't happening.

On Tuesday night, Sharapova was right where she likes to be: on the Grand Slam stage and in the spotlight. The 2006 U.S. Open champion returned to the tournament with an impressive 6-3, 6-0 victory over Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria.

"I was in the physical therapy office every single day, and the tennis was on. But I made a point not to watch it," Sharapova explained. "When you're not participating in a tournament that you very much love, and you've had success at, as an athlete and as a competitor, to not be there and not be competing is pretty tough."

Against her 98th-ranked opponent, Sharapova's game was as glittery as her black-and-silver dress and matching headwrap, an outfit she described as a tribute to New York's skyline. The three-time Grand Slam title winner produced 29 winners -- 23 more than Pironkova.

"This is a Grand Slam. You've got to get going from the first match," Sharapova said. "After being gone, this is what it's all about."