January will mark the start of the 2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tennis season—and the return of Maria Sharapova.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is on track for a comeback during the second week of January.
Speaking with the Associated Press by telephone, Sharapova’s agent, Max Eisenbud, confirmed that her recovery from a shoulder injury is progressing.
”She’s doing good,” Eisenbud said. ”Everything’s on track.”
Defending her Australian Open title is on Sharapova’s schedule for January, but not before heading to Hong Kong for her first event. The JB Group Classic is one of the biggest tennis exhibition tournaments in the world and will also feature Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams.
Sharapova missed most of the fall season in 2008, including the Beijing Olympics, the US Open, and the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships.
