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Maria Sharapova, who has not played an official competition since the US Open, has taken a wild card into the Brisbane International next week.

The five-time Grand Slam champion participated in the Abu Dhabi exhibition event two weeks ago and then withdrew from a Hawaii exhibition, but plans to return to competition at Brisbane.

"It's a fresh start," she said.

Sharapova takes Brisbane wild card, looks to play Australian Open

Sharapova takes Brisbane wild card, looks to play Australian Open

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Sharapova has been troubled by an ongoing shoulder injury, and has played just eight events in the previous year.

"But I have had a fairly good off-season and I am motivated to compete," she said. "I don't think my surgically repaired shoulder will ever be perfect. But I still feel there is a lot in me to give. I still have a lot of fire in me. At this point in my career when I have that feeling, it's a good sign."

If she is satisfied with her play in Brisbane, the Russian will look to secure a wild card for the Australian Open. She also plans to play the Kooyong exhibition the week before the Australian Open.

Sharapova is No. 133 in the rankings.

Sharapova takes Brisbane wild card, looks to play Australian Open

Sharapova takes Brisbane wild card, looks to play Australian Open