sport news Maria Sharapova rolls back the years to stun Australian Open champion Caroline ...

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Maria Sharapova claimed one of her best wins since coming back from suspension when she prevailed in her no-love-lost Australian Open third round against Caroline Wozniacki.

The 31-year-old Russian overpowered the defending champion 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a last-16 match against home favourite Ashleigh Barty.

'I haven't played many matches in the past year especially against top players so it's very rewarding,' said Sharapova. 'Experience is priceless but you still have to work for it. ' 

Wozniacki hit just ten winners to her opponent's 37 and had her second serve severely dealt with. 

For Sharapova it was a huge boost after ending last season early due to recurring shoulder injuries.

This was the first match they have played against each other since Sharapova's return from her drug ban in April 17.