Result: Maria Sharapova makes winning start

Maria Sharapova has made a blistering start to the Australian Open, breezing past Gisela Dulko in straight sets.

The fourth seed raced through the first set and ended it with a 6-0 win.

The Russian continued her domination with a 6-1 victory in the second set.

Dulko had no answer for Sharapova's ability, only managing to win one game during the clash.

Sharapova heads into the second round.