But the No.1-seeded Sharapova shifted gears in a big way from there, holding that game, breaking back for 3-all and eventually cruising the rest of the way to win in an hour and 14 minutes, 6-4, 6-1.
Sharapova finished the match particularly strong - she won the last seven points in a row. "I've been in many different situations in my career, and when you're down, you have to change a few things and stay positive," Sharapova said. "You just have to concentrate on one point at a time instead of the bigger result, and as the match went on I definitely felt more and more comfortable out there.
"I felt really good and really happy to perform here in front of all the fans for the first time." Sharapova was asked whether the slow start could have been from the new conditions, too. "Your first match at a new tournament is never easy," Sharapova commented.
"You're getting used to all of the conditions, a new place and a new atmosphere. You're also adjusting your game a little bit.
The court here is quite different to the surfaces I've competed on so far this year, and the ball goes through the air because it's much warmer.
You can train in new conditions as many days as you want, but it's when you go out and play an actual match when the real adjustment comes into play.
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