Former world number one Maria Sharapova has opened her season with a 6-0 7-6 win over Anna Chakvetadze in an exhibition match in Singapore.

The beaten Australian Open finalist in 2007, Sharapova raced through the opening set against her compatriot with blistering serves and clean winners from the baseline.

Although Chakvetadze made the second set a more tightly contested affair, Sharapova eventually prevailed 12-10 in the breaker.

"I think I did a pretty good job," the world number five said.

Sharapova now joins world number three Ana Ivanovic, reining Wimbledon champion Venus Williams and Chakvetadze in the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong before heading to Melbourne Park and the new Pexicushion surface for the first Grand Slam of the year, starting on January 14.

"I'm going to take every single match seriously because it is like I said, my only preparation for the Australian Open," Sharapova continued.

"I heard it's going to be a faster surface [in Melbourne] and I also heard that it's not going to be as sticky which is going to be beneficial for all players especially in extreme heat. The court gets very sticky and a lot of injuries can occur.

"So yes, I am very excited about [the Australian Open]."

Pippa Davis / Eurosport