Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after winning a point against Petra Martic of Croatia during their women's singles first round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 19, 2015. REUTERS/Issei Kato
Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after winning a point against Petra Martic of Croatia during their women's singles first round match at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 19, 2015. REUTERS/Issei Kato REUTERS/Issei Kato

Maria Sharapova admits that she's happy to progress into the second round of 2015 Australian Open after defeating Petra Martic of Croatia. The World No. 2 ruined the 24th birthday of Martic yesterday, when she claimed straight-sets 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Sharapova's win was even sweeter following an opening round that has seen half of the 16 seeds crash out of the tournament, including Ana Ivanovic and Angelique Kerber. "I made a few too many unforced errors but overall I'm glad I got through. She was a tough opponent and was really inspired," the Russian tennis superstar said after the match.

The five-time Grand Slam champion is set to play against fellow Russian Alexandra Panova. Last year, Sharapova reached the fourth-round of the Australian Open before crashing out.

Thus far, Maria Sharapova, who started the season by winning the Brisbane International, is vying to steal the World No. 1 rank from Serena Williams. If she reaches the finals and Williams does not qualify for the semi-finals and Petra Kvitova fails to beat her in the tournament, Sharapova will emerge as the new World No. 1. Another way that she can be the number one is she wins the title and Williams exits before the finals, as per the latest WTA rankings.

Apart from Sharapova, World No. 4 Simona Halep and World No. 5 Kvitova are also vying for the number one spot. Most likely, whoever wins the Aussie Open among the mentioned players will be hailed the new World No. 1 in women's tennis.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams, whose World No. 1 rank is under triple threat, is unhappy to lose two out of four singles matches in preparation for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The 33-year-old said that she is not happy about her practice and preparation. Last year, Serena Williams exited the Australian Open in the fourth round after losing to Ana Ivanovic.

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