Vekic defeats Sharapova in Melbourne clash

Former world number one Maria Sharapova has been eliminated from the Australian Open in the first round.

She was defeated by No.19 seed Donna Vekic 6-3, 6-4 at Melbourne Park.

The 32-year-old, who has been hit by a string of injuries, including surgery on a shoulder problem, will drop to No 366 in the world rankings following her Australian Open exit.

"As tough as it was, I finished the match and, yeah, it wasn't the way that I wanted," Sharapova said after the match.

Meanwhile, British players Johanna Konta and Kyle Edmund also suffered early exits.