<p>Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova said it was "very special" after being handed an Australian Open wildcard Wednesday as she attempts to resurrect her career after an injury-plagued 2019.</p>.<p>The 32-year-old, who won the tournament in 2008, has slipped down the rankings to 147, outside automatic qualification, and was bounced out of the Brisbane International this week in the first round.</p>.<p>But the Russian remains a big name and she will line up at Melbourne Park for the 16th time since her debut in 2003.</p>.<p>"To be in the draw of the Australian Open is incredible," Sharapova said.</p>.<p>"I've had wonderful experiences there, from holding the championship trophy to losing some very tough finals as well -- there's been a lot of ups and downs in Australia.</p>.<p>"So to have another chance, another opportunity, to compete on all those courts is very special."</p>.<p>She reached the fourth last year, upsetting defending champion Caroline Wozniacki in an epic third-round win.</p>.<p>Until Brisbane, Sharapova had not played since a first-round loss to career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August, with her season ruined by a shoulder injury.</p>.<p>"It was a long match. I think this is going to be a good test for my shoulder, not so much right now, but maybe tomorrow and the day after to see how I feel," she said after her Brisbane defeat on Tuesday.</p>.<p>"I definitely lost speed on it and strength toward the end of the match, but that comes with time. I have to be patient with that."</p>.<p>Sharapova also revealed she had been battling a virus "where I just couldn't keep anything in".</p>
<p>Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova said it was "very special" after being handed an Australian Open wildcard Wednesday as she attempts to resurrect her career after an injury-plagued 2019.</p>.<p>The 32-year-old, who won the tournament in 2008, has slipped down the rankings to 147, outside automatic qualification, and was bounced out of the Brisbane International this week in the first round.</p>.<p>But the Russian remains a big name and she will line up at Melbourne Park for the 16th time since her debut in 2003.</p>.<p>"To be in the draw of the Australian Open is incredible," Sharapova said.</p>.<p>"I've had wonderful experiences there, from holding the championship trophy to losing some very tough finals as well -- there's been a lot of ups and downs in Australia.</p>.<p>"So to have another chance, another opportunity, to compete on all those courts is very special."</p>.<p>She reached the fourth last year, upsetting defending champion Caroline Wozniacki in an epic third-round win.</p>.<p>Until Brisbane, Sharapova had not played since a first-round loss to career-long rival Serena Williams at the US Open in August, with her season ruined by a shoulder injury.</p>.<p>"It was a long match. I think this is going to be a good test for my shoulder, not so much right now, but maybe tomorrow and the day after to see how I feel," she said after her Brisbane defeat on Tuesday.</p>.<p>"I definitely lost speed on it and strength toward the end of the match, but that comes with time. I have to be patient with that."</p>.<p>Sharapova also revealed she had been battling a virus "where I just couldn't keep anything in".</p>